Convergent Ladybug Beetle
Description
1/4-3/8". Oval, convex above. Pronotum black with white border and 2 converging white stripes. Elytra are red or orange with 13 black spots (1 spot at scutellum and 6 on each leytron); sometimes spots are enlarged to form 3 transvers bands. Larva is velvety black with 8 orange spots. Pupa is black with red spots.
Habitat
Woods, meadows, and gardens.
Range
Throughtout North America.
Food
Aphids and other small insects.
Life Cycle
Female may lay up to 500 eggs during a lifespan of a few months; clusters of 5-30 eggs are attached on leaves and twigs, Larvae feed, then pupate attached by back end to some support. Many generations a year, if food supply is good.
Other
 Large numbers of ladybugs occasionally find their way into houses in autumn looking for places to spend the winter. In the West huge swarms fly into mountain cayons, overwinter under leaves, and return to valleys in the spring. Overwintering beetles are sometimes purchased by mail and freed near crops that are vulnerable to aphids.
Picture
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