Convergent Lady Beetle

Hippodamia convergens

In the West huge swarms of these beetles, usually called ladybugs, fly into mountain canyons and spend the winter under leaves. They return to valleys in the spring. Wild ladybugs are often harvested from these aggregations and sold in nurseries to help rid gardens of aphids. When these ladybugs are released, their natural instinct is to fly high into the air and let the wind carry them away. Because of this, purchasing ladybugs to control aphids is not as effective as some people believe.

Look For : Thirteen black spots on reddish-orange fore wings; two white stripes that come together on black upper thorax. Oval body.

Length : 3/8".

Habitat : Woods, meadows, gardens.

Range : Widespread.