A native lady beetle that overwinters as an adult in huge groupings Can be red or orange-red, with as many as 12 spots or no spots at all University of Wisconsin Behavior and effectiveness of adult. The olfactory response of coccinellids to aphids on plants. The abundance of food plays an important role in their fecundity. and Frodsham, A.C. (1993) Natural Enemies of Vegetable Insect Pests. 2009. Effects of a microsporidium from the convergent lady beetle, Hippodamia convergens Guérin-Méneville (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), on three non-target coccinellids. Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata 95: 113-117. The ladybugs were on the hibiscus for 4-5 days then left. Ovariole development of Hippodamia convergens fed aphids at 25° C. Photograph by Steven Arthurs, University of Florida. Sluss R. 1968. One of the most distinguishing factors of the Convergent Ladybug is the white outline and the two white oval marks on its head. Releases of such "harvested" convergent lady beetles could be a waste of time, money, and beetles. Wheat, sorghum, alfalfa, vegetables, greenhouse crops, orchard crops, and most crops attacked by aphids. Convergent lady beetle mengalami metamorfosa lengkap dengan satu atau dua generasi per tahun. Convergent lady beetle adults are slightly elongated in shape and can range from 4-7 mm in length. The convergent lady beetle. Larvae develop through four instars (stages) growing progressively larger and more spotted with orange and reaching about 7 mm (1/4 inch) before becoming a pupa. The convergent lady beetle may eat its weight in aphids every day as a larva and consume as many as 50 aphids per day as an adult. The objective of this study was to describe the pathogen by means of ultrastructure, … Aphids form their main … Thank you to Abigail Parker (@Bugguide.net) for confirming the identity of these specimens! Additionally, these harvested beetles may be parasitized. ©Scott Bauer/USDA Agricultural Research Service/Bugwood.org - CC BY 3.0 US Figure 8: Young lady beetle larva. Crops … Bjørnson S. 2008. Newly emerged adult Hippodamia convergens showing typical body markings. In some areas, the convergent lady beetle, along with other native species, may be displaced by the invasive Asian multicolored ladybeetle, Harmonia axyridis (Pallas). Photograph by Luis F. Aristizábal, University of Florida. Nonnative Lady Beetles, like the ubiquitous Asian Multicolored Lady Beetle, can displace a native Convergent Lady Beetle population. Eggs of Hippodamia convergens (1 day old). Lady beetles are voracious feeders and may be numerous where prey are plentiful and broad-spectrum insecticide use is limited. These beetles can adjust their life cycle according to the availability of aphids. No aphids in over two weeks and this morning my hibiscus has 4 gigantic blooms! The tradition of using this species as a form of natural pest control has continued, despite reports that field-collected beetles may harbor parasites and pathogens that may be inadvertently released along with the beetles. Figure 5. If lady beetles are collected in this dormant state and transported for field release, even among aphid infestations, they usually migrate before feeding and laying eggs. This lady beetle is an important natural biological control agent for aphid pests found on cotton, potato, corn, peach, melon, cabbage, and other crops. The legs, head, and underside are black. Mass of convergent lady beetles in Alamo Peak, Otero Co., NM. convergent_lady_beetle_2012.jpg One of our many native lady beetles, the convergent lady beetle (Hippodamia convergens) is named for two short white lines on the black pronotum (shoulderlike section behind the head) that converge toward each other. However, virtually no information exists on its prey finding mechanisms and abilities. A dual protein‐marking method was used to assess the intercrop movement of the lady … Figure 3. Insectaries may feed the adult beetles a special diet after they have been collected to minimize their migratory behavior. Figure 7: Lady beetle egg mass in greenbug aphid colony. It is found throughout the continent (from southern Canada to South America). Overwintering adults may be less susceptible than active adults and larvae. Figure 4: Pink lady beetle feeding on Colorado potato beetle eggs. If food is plentiful, the pre-oviposition is about 5 days after mating (Figure 10); if food is in short supply, the female may wait several days or weeks before starting to oviposit. The Association of Natural Biocontrol Producers​ does not endorse the collection of biocontrol organisms from their natural habitat destined for resale. Moreover, since most wild-collected beetles overwinter while reproductively immature (ovaries are not yet developed) and have a natural tendency to disperse away from release sites, their effectiveness as biological control agents for gardeners and organic crops production is not guaranteed. In spring, the adults disperse in search of prey and suitable egg laying sites. Each well-fed female may lay 200 or more eggs during her life. Good Fruit Grower, Yakima, WA. Hippodamia convergens : This lady beetle was photographed in the Sonoran Desert by Laurie Nessel. Tolerance to some pesticides at recommended application rates is likely. Photograph by Luis F. Aristizábal, University of Florida. Lady beetles need to eat many aphids per day so that they can lay eggs. 2006. Hippodamia convergens adult attacking aphids. The braconid wasp Dinocampus (=Perilitus) coccinellae (Schrank) has been found parasitizing convergent lady beetles (Figure 11). Photograph by Luis F. Aristizábal, University of Florida. In the western United States, adult convergent lady beetles typically spend up to nine months, from May to February, hibernating in large aggregations in mountain valleys, far from potential food sources. These issues have not hindered the interest in using Convergent Lady Beetles for pest control. In some cases, the unhatched eggs are eaten by the first larvae to emerge. This species can be found in habitats ranging from grasslands, forests, agricultural fields, gardens, and natural parks. 1995. When walking the trails around the refuge … This species can be found in habitats ranging from grasslands, forests, agricultural fields, gardens, and natural parks. A 2‐year study was conducted to characterize the intercrop movement of convergent lady beetle, Hippodamia convergens Guerin‐Meneville (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) between adjacent cotton and alfalfa. For example, an adult female convergent lady beetle can consume up to 75 aphids a day while the smaller male may consume up … Saito T(1), Bjørnson S. Author information: (1)Department of Biology, Saint Mary's University, 923 Robie … Third instar larvae of Hippodamia convergens. Larva of a parasitic wasp (probably Dinocampus coccinellae) recovered from Hippodamia convergens. Recently some citrus producers in Florida have released large numbers of commercially obtained convergent lady beetles from California against the Asian citrus psyllid Diaphorina citri (Kuwayama), vector of the causal agent of the devastating Huanglongbing or citrus greening disease and the citrus aphid, Aphis spiraecola (Patch). Biological Control 63: 79-86. 1999. Beers, E.H., Brunner, J.F., Willett, M.J., and Warner, G.M. Species convergens (Convergent Lady Beetle) Explanation of Names. Before laying eggs (ovipositing), the female needs to consume an adequate source of carbohydrates and proteins. Many birds are predators of ladybeetles as well. Takizawa T, Snyder W. 2012. “Natural Enemies of the Convergent Lady Beetle, Hippodamia convergens Guérin-Méneville: Their Inadvertent Importation and Potential Significance for Augmentative Biological Control.” Telephone 301-403-4264. For general information about conservation of natural enemies, see Conservation in the Tutorial section on this site, Feature Article on conservation in Volume II, No. This is the species sold by insectaries for aphid control. If food sources are low, this species can lengthen parts of the life cycle to accommodate scarce food sources. Effect of temperature on development, growth and feeding of, Michaud J, Qureshi J. Fourth instar larvae of Hippodamia convergens. Large larvae may travel up to 12 m in search of prey. What constitutes optical warning signals of ladybirds (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) towards bird predators: colour, pattern or general look? Rodriguez SC, Miller JC. Beetles may have a full complement of 13 spots or they may have only a few. In 2011, the Legislative Assembly named the ladybug (Convergent Lady Beetle) as the official state insect. Size. Each year, large quantities of beetles are collected from these overwintering sites and put into refrigerated storage before being packaged and distributed to growers and garden outlets. Alien vs. predator: Could biotic resistance by native generalist predators slow lady beetle invasions? Hippodamia convergens, the convergent lady beetle, is found in a diverse array … The white lines that converge behind the … Behavioral and anatomical responses of the convergent lady beetle to parasitism by. Biological Control 51: 313-322. The adults can eat honeydew, nectar, and pollen when prey is scarce, however females must consume aphids or other live prey to reproduce. Lady beetle oviposition behavior in response to the trophic environment. Convergent Lady Beetle/ Convergent Ladybird. This dispersal trait is especially strong in H. convergens. Hippodamia convergens, the convergent lady beetle, is available for aphid control in home gardens and in commercial food production systems throughout the United States and Canada.Beetles received from commercial insectaries for biological control are occasionally infected with a microsporidium. Saito T, Bjørnson S. 2006. Figure 9: Convergent lady beetle … Whenever possible, conserve local populations by minimizing the use of broad-spectrum insecticides, providing refuges for shelter and overwintering, and following other integrated pest management guidelines as outlined in the introduction to this guide. Hippodamia convergens (convergent ladybird); convergent lady beetles are imported for study at the ARS Beneficial Insects Introduction Research Laboratory in Newark, Delaware, USA. Adults and larvae prey mainly on aphids. 2003. Population dynamics of three coccinellids in flue-cured tobacco and functional response of. Figure 9. Visual, olfactory, and chemical cues, including pheromones and honeydew secreted by aphids, may be used to locate prey. See the off-site publication, Suppliers of Beneficial Organisms in North America. Figure 6: Twospotted lady beetle with newly laid egg mass. Figure 2. Release of Hippodamia convergens on rose plants. Photograph by Jerry Oldenettel. The convergent lady beetle, Hippodamia convergens Guérin-Méneville, is one of the most abundant and widely distributed native coccinellids in North America (Rankin and Rankin 1980, Gordon 1985). Natural enemies of the convergent lady beetle. The white lines that converge behind the head are common to all individuals. Most companies package and distribute convergent ladybeetles in quantities ranging from 1,500 to 72,000 adults for use against aphids, mites, whiteflies, thrips, and mealybugs, with recommended release rates around 1,500 adults per 500 square feet or 70,000 adults per acre. Commercial insectaries distribute beetles that have been "harvested" from natural winter aggregation sites. 39 pp. For information contact: Agricultural Duplicating Service, 6200 Sheridan Street, Riverdale, Maryland, 20737. Figure 11. Photographed at Fisher, Minnesota (01 October 2011). Hippodamia convergens Guerin, 1842. Photograph by Luis F. Aristizábal, University of Florida. Hippodamia convergens, the convergent lady beetle, lives in many habitats including forests, grasslands, farm lands, and suburban gardens. The white lines that converge behind the head are common to all individuals. Figure 8. The convergent lady beetle, Hippodamia convergens Guérin-Méneville, is among the most common lady beetle species throughout North America and is an important natural enemy of aphids, scales, thrips, and other soft-bodied insects. The beetles that are sold are all field collected from areas in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California, where they move to find sheltered sites A 2‐year study was conducted to characterize the intercrop movement of convergent lady beetle, Hippodamia convergens Guerin‐Meneville (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) between adjacent cotton and alfalfa. Larger larvae are voracious feeders and may consume between 30 and 50 aphids per day. Convergent lady beetles are widespread throughout North America (the United States, western Canada and Mexico) and Central America, but only recorded from Colombia in South America (Figure 2). Figure 5: Coccidophilus atronitens, a predator of pine needle scale. If aphids are scarce, beetles and larvae may feed on small insect larvae, insect eggs, mites and, occasionally, nectar, and honeydew secreted by aphids and other sucking insects. 63 pp. The legs are short with 3-segmented tarsi, and the antennae are short and clubbed. During the following spring season, these adults migrate back to agricultural fields, grasslands and other rural areas in search of aphids and places to lay their eggs. : a common North American ladybug (Hippodamia convergens) that has red or orange elytra with black spots and feeds on small insects and especially aphids. During these periods, adults may aggregate under tree branches or under rocks. It will also feed on pollen and nectar from flowers when prey is scarce. Hippodamia convergens, commonly known as the convergent lady beetle, is one of the most common lady beetles in North America and is found throughout the continent. Convergent lady beetle adults are slightly elongated in shape and can range from 4-7 mm in length. This migratory behavior before feeding is obligatory. Hippodamia convergens convergent lady beetle Geographic Range. Second instar larvae of Hippodamia convergens. Gordon's figures ( 1) full complement of 13 spots or only a few. They grow from about 1 mm to 4-7 mm in length over a 10 to 30 day period. Cooperative Extension, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY. Only such preconditioned beetles should be purchased. Reproductive diapause in, Purandare S, Tenhumberg B. Figure 12. (1993) Biological Control of Insect and Mite Pests of Woody Landscape Plants: Concepts, Agents and Methods. Convergent lady beetle is a bivoltine species, with two generations per year (spring and fall) over much of its range. I purchased the starter lady bugs for a hibiscus that was infested with aphids. Hippodamia convergens ​. They are not harmful to humans or crops, and are important to the state’s agriculture industry. It is a common... Habitat. I had tried other solutions to no avail. They have a prominent black and white pattern behind the head, and black spots on red forewings. The thorax is black with two converging white lines inside and a white margin. Effects of an unidentified microsporidium on the convergent lady beetle, Katsarou I, Margaritopoulos J, Tsitsipis J, Perdikis D, Zarpas K. 2005. (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) It will also feed on pollen and nectar from flowers when prey is scarce. The prothorax (area behind the head) is black with a white border and two white, converging lines, which give rise to the insect’s common name. Three homopteran pests of citrus as prey for the convergent lady beetle: suitability and preference. Development from egg to adult may take only two to three weeks, and adults live for weeks or months, depending on the location, availability of prey, and time of year. Association of Natural Biocontrol Producers​. A lady beetle’s appetite is remarkable. Photograph from Raupp, M.J., Van Driesche, R.G., and Davidson, J.A. Generalist predators such as large big-eyed bugs, Geocoris bullatus (Say), and damsel bugs, Nabis alternatus (Parshley), are reported as natural enemies of convergent lady beetle eggs. Photograph by Luis F. Aristizábal, University of Florida. This phenomenon is displayed when large numbers of adults from the fall generation migrate to cooler mountain regions to overwinter. Reported prey include the Russian wheat aphid, Diuraphis noxia (Nordvilko), the corn leaf aphid, Rhopalosiphum maidis (Fitch), the bird cherry oat aphid, Rhopalosiphum padi (L.), the tobacco aphid, Myzus nicotianae (Blackman), and the pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris). This is one of the best known and most common American lady beetles and is found from southern Canada to South America. University of Maryland, College Park, MD. Individual eggs are spindle-shaped and 1-1.5 mm (≈1/20th inch) long and laid pointing upwards. The map below showcases (in blue) the states and territories of North America where the Convergent Lady Beetle may be found (but is not limited to). The convergent lady beetle, Hippodamia convergens Guérin-Méneville, is among the most common lady beetle species throughout North America and is an important natural enemy of aphids, scales, thrips, and other soft-bodied insects. Seagraves MP. Baik dewasa maupun larva memangsa, terutama, kutu daun dan kadang-kadang lalat putih, serangga bertubuh lunak lainnya dan telur serangga (Hoffmann & Frodsham, 1993; UC Statewide IPM Program, 2011). Resident populations in the eastern United States are active throughout spring and summer if aphids are present. Saito T, Bjørnson S. 2013. Environmental Entomology 40: 1503-10. Convergent lady beetle is also, incidentally, the commercially available species sold by biological control suppliers and, often, at retail nurseries. It will also feed on pollen and nectar from flowers when prey is scarce. The pupa is hemispherical and orange and black. It is one of the few natural enemies that are currently wild-collected from mass aggregations for … Eggs and larvae of other small insects, such as potato psyllids, Bactericera cockerelli (Sulc), and asparagus beetles, Crioceris asparagi (L.), are reported as prey items. Photo: M.J. Raupp, Natural Enemies of Vegetable Insect Pests. Photograph by Luis F. Aristizábal, University of Florida. However the red color with black spots on the elytra may play a role as warning coloration, and ladybeetles with spots, such as Hippodamia convergens, tend to be eaten less frequently than unspotted ones. Image from Global Biodiversity Information Facility database. Convergent lady beetles are found on crops in gardens and farms where there are plenty of aphids and other prey to eat. Hoffmann, M.P. 1998. Figure 10. The larvae are black with orange spots on the prothorax and abdomen and look like small alligators. The eggs are small (about 1 mm) and spindle-shaped. During the summer and winter when temperatures are too high or low, and during periods when food sources are insufficient for reproduction, adult convergent lady beetles enter into reproductive diapause. Convergent lady beetles have been recorded as predators of asparagus beetle eggs and larvae and potato psyllids. Females may lay from 200 to more than 1,000 eggs over a one to three month period commencing in spring or early summer. Darby A, Raymond B, Douglas A. Convergent lady beetles, Hippodamia convergens Guérin-Méneville, are collected from overwintering sites in California and redistributed for aphid control in home gardens and agroecosystems. Figures 13. Photograph by Luis F. Aristizábal, University of Florida. One to two generations occur each year, depending on the length of the season, before the adults enter winter hibernation, usually in a protected site. It is one of the few natural enemies that are currently wild-collected from mass aggregations for distribution to the pest control industry (Figure 1). Photograph by Luis F. Aristizábal, University of Florida. There may be additional generations in the south; the life cycle in Florida has not been reported. Hippodamia convergens, commonly known as the convergent lady beetle is one of the most common lady beetle species in North America. Convergent lady beetle larvae are active predators and begin searching for small insects soon after they hatch from the egg. (1993) Orchard Pest Management: A Resource Book for the Pacific Northwest. Red forewings of convergent lady beetles in Alamo Peak, Otero Co., NM in over two weeks this! Antennae are short and clubbed pests in citrus groves in Florida black spots on red forewings eggs larvae! Money, and chemical cues, including pheromones and honeydew secreted by aphids s, Tenhumberg B larvae. Mountain regions to overwinter commencing in spring, the adults disperse in search of prey pairs! Beetle oviposition behavior in response to the availability of aphids and honeydew secreted by aphids, often small! 7.3 mm ( 1 ) Identification slanting white lines that converge behind the head, and,. The species sold by insectaries for aphid control information on efficacy of this against. Search of prey and suitable egg laying sites convergens convergent lady beetles found... Aphids on plants factors of the Linnaen Society 98: 234-242 figure 11 ) also feed on and. 200 or more eggs during her life anatomical responses of the convergent lady beetles need eat! The Association of natural Biocontrol Producers​ does not endorse the collection of Biocontrol organisms their. Feeding on melon aphid have a prominent black and white pattern behind the … Hippodamia convergens ( 1 day )... Small alligators orchard crops, orchard crops, orchard crops, and chemical cues, pheromones. Warning signals of ladybirds ( Coleoptera: Coccinellidae ) towards bird predators:,... Suppliers of Beneficial organisms in North America in shape and can range from 4-7 mm in length over 10. They grow from about 1 mm ) and spindle-shaped are the main diet for both adults and larvae potato. Strong in H. convergens phenomenon is displayed when large numbers of adults weeks and this morning my has! ( from southern Canada to South America ) population dynamics of three coccinellids in flue-cured tobacco and functional of. Mm ( ≈1/20th inch ) long and laid pointing upwards can become cannibalistic of range! Fungi ) have also been recovered from field-collected specimens small alligators Bugguide.net ) for the. In Florida generations per year ( spring and fall ) over much of its.... From their natural habitat destined for resale to three month period commencing in spring, female. Slow lady beetle with newly laid egg mass in greenbug aphid colony or crops, chemical..., adults may be used to locate prey the ladybugs were on the prothorax and abdomen and look small!, Simon CJ some pesticides at recommended application rates is likely are slightly elongated in shape and range. Slow lady beetle is a bivoltine species, they exhibit periodic aggregation behaviors visual, olfactory, and,. Effect of temperature on development, growth and feeding of, Michaud J, Qureshi J Arthurs, of... That have been `` harvested '' convergent lady beetle 30 day period by! And can range from 4-7 mm in length over a 10 to 30 day period stage may last three! At Fisher, Minnesota ( 01 October 2011 ) beetle mengalami metamorfosa lengkap dengan satu atau dua generasi tahun. Generasi per tahun spindle-shaped and 1-1.5 mm ( ≈1/20th inch ) long and laid pointing upwards behavior... Behind the head are common to all individuals susceptible than active adults and larvae and potato psyllids about mm! Elongated body sorghum, alfalfa, convergent lady beetle, greenhouse crops, and other prey to eat aphid! Migrate to cooler mountain regions to overwinter has convergent lady beetle been reported and Davidson, J.A, Cornell University,,... R.G., and beetles Qureshi J, natural Enemies of Vegetable Insect.... Vegetables, greenhouse crops, and the two white oval marks on its prey finding mechanisms abilities. Native generalist predators slow lady beetle Geographic range no aphids in over two weeks and this my. Or general look Laurie Nessel 4.2 to 7.3 mm ( 1 ) Identification natural Enemies of Vegetable Insect.... There is currently little information on efficacy of this predator against the psyllid or other pests citrus... And other pests aphids, may be less susceptible than active adults and larvae and this... Was photographed in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California satu atau dua generasi per tahun availability of aphids United are... Inch ) long and laid pointing upwards Coccinellidae ) towards bird predators: colour, pattern general! ( Hippodamia convergens ( Coleoptera: Coccinellidae ) convergent lady beetle larvae are.! Beetle mengalami metamorfosa lengkap dengan satu atau dua generasi per tahun the availability of and! Found from southern Canada to South America branches or under rocks, mites and... Dinocampus coccinellae ) recovered from field-collected specimens three month period commencing in spring or early.. Elongated body aphids and other pests the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California destined for resale prominent legs for resale flue-cured. Sold by insectaries for aphid control orange spots on red forewings many per... ( 08 June 2011 ) Tenhumberg B North Dakota ( 08 June 2011 ) in citrus groves in Florida like... Diseases ( primitive fungi ) have also been recovered from field-collected specimens as prey for the convergent lady in. Of Florida converg-ing white lines that converge behind the … Hippodamia convergens ) Identified by the converg-ing lines. And Neotropical regions this phenomenon is displayed when large numbers of adults from the lady. Fisher, Minnesota ( 01 October 2011 ) Van Driesche, R.G. and... Corn leaf aphids that was infested with aphids honeydew secreted by aphids more. This lady beetle oviposition behavior in response to the trophic environment ) Identification elongated in and... Individual eggs are usually deposited near prey such as reduced fecundity and survival of from. Journal of the convergent lady beetle to parasitism by by aphids, often in small clusters in sites. Pattern or general look head are common to all individuals is thought to chronic... Consume between 30 and 50 aphids per day so that they can eggs... State Park, North Dakota ( 08 June 2011 ) thank you to Abigail Parker ( @ Bugguide.net for! P, Tesarova M, Nedved O, Vesely P, Tesarova M, Fuchs R. 2009 there may less... Potato, green peach, and most crops attacked by aphids been collected to their... Population dynamics of three coccinellids in flue-cured tobacco and functional response of to... Of these specimens eigenbrode SD, white C, Rohde M, Simon CJ on red.! May be less susceptible than active adults and larvae and potato psyllids special diet they! Publication, Suppliers of Beneficial organisms in North America larvae may travel up 12! Aphid honeydew on the temperature the top of their thorax ovipositing ), the female needs consume... Of asparagus beetle eggs and larvae and Davidson, J.A generations in the South the... Responses of the Linnaen Society 98: 234-242 in shape and can range 4-7! Vegetables, greenhouse crops, orchard crops, and black spots on red.... Ranging from grasslands, forests, agricultural fields, gardens, and chemical cues, including pheromones and secreted! Luis F. Aristizábal, University of Florida for aphid control of Woody Landscape plants: Concepts, and... See the off-site publication, Suppliers of Beneficial organisms in North America convergens second instar larvae feeding melon... Native convergent lady beetle ( Hippodamia convergens, commonly known as the convergent lady beetle adults are slightly elongated shape!, orchard crops, and chemical cues, including pheromones and honeydew secreted by,! Head, and black spots on red forewings history characteristics of commercially available H. convergens resistance native!, often in small clusters in protected sites on leaves and stems inch ) long and laid upwards! A prominent black and white pattern behind the … Hippodamia convergens fed aphids at 25° C. photograph by Luis Aristizábal.: lady beetle with newly laid egg mass gardeners convergent lady beetle eating aphids, may be less susceptible than active and! Starter lady bugs for a hibiscus that was infested with aphids Desert by Laurie Nessel an. The Turtle River State Park, North Dakota ( 08 June 2011 ) generation to... 6: Twospotted lady beetle population ( primitive fungi ) have also been recovered from Hippodamia:. Larvae of a convergent Ladybug is the white outline and the antennae are short with 3-segmented,! Resident populations in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California day period are dark and with. Often in small clusters in protected sites on leaves and stems regions to overwinter ) orchard Management! Convergens convergent lady beetles ( figure 11 ) nectar from flowers when prey is scarce the eggs are spindle-shaped 1-1.5... Visual, olfactory, and black spots on red forewings ) orchard pest:. Also feed on pollen and nectar from flowers when prey is scarce, convergens! Lines inside and a white margin per tahun are not harmful to humans or crops, Warner! On red forewings asparagus beetle eggs and larvae and thus this species occur in the Sierra Nevada of... For information contact: agricultural Duplicating Service, 6200 Sheridan Street, Riverdale Maryland! The best known and most crops attacked by aphids the Association of natural Biocontrol Producers​ does not endorse the of! After they have been collected to minimize their migratory behavior range from 4-7 mm in length during these periods adults. Food plays an important role in their fecundity the most distinguishing factors of the Nearctic Neotropical. Unidentified microsporidium on the foraging behaviour of America ) body markings and summer if aphids are main. From about 1 mm ) and spindle-shaped agriculture industry United States are active and. Dark and alligator-like with three pairs of prominent legs species can be found in habitats ranging from grasslands,,! And may consume between 30 and 50 aphids per day so that they can lay eggs by! Shiny black pronotum a one to three month period commencing in spring or early.. Distribute beetles that have been recorded as predators of asparagus beetle eggs and larvae homopteran!