Lady Beetles, Coleoptera: Coccinellidae

Ladybugs, as they called by the masses, are voracious predators. These orange/red, black-spotted beetles are recognized the world over. They’re the subject of a few songs, folklore tales, nursery rhymes and more. Nowadays, they’re also an icon symbolic of biocontrol and Integrated Pest Management (IPM). And the latter for good reason because, despite some of their unfavorable characteristics, they are effective predators — or can be if used correctly. Ladybug beetles definitely prefer to dine on aphids.

They are considered an aphid predator. However, as most beetles are, H. convergens are very opportunistic and will eat pests other than aphids: mites, insect eggs, etc. I do not recommend using these beetles for other pests, though.

The large 8 mm. adult female beetles lay orange, football-shaped eggs usually on the upper-sides of the leaves of infested plants — up to 50 of them per day! The eggs hatch into black, alligator-like larvae with orange markings. These, too, are fierce predators, consuming 400 or so aphids. The life-span of these predators is roughly 28 days in their immature stages, then around 11 months as adults.

Ladybugs can be very cost-effective. And at the recommended rates, they can be a very loud bang for the buck!

they’re flighty. If not released properly, ladybugs can disperse completely within 24 hours. Even when they are released properly, 90-95% will bolt anyway; it is expected, it is in their nature.

It is the 5-10% which stick around that do the job for us.

The refrigerator storage ability of H. convergens is more than just a convenience and cost-saver, it helps increase the effectiveness of these beetles. To do it properly try the following:

Beetle Storage Facts.

• Hold beetles between 35-45°F, better if cooler.
• Store beetles in an older, not-so-frost-free fridge if possible.
• Remove the beetles from the fridge once a month, mist the bags with water, allow to dry and return them to storage.
• Hold beetles for no longer than 2-3 months.
• Beetles purchased before May can be stored until mid-May to June first only; purchased after June first, the beetles can be stored full term. Many months under certain conditions.
• Water the site before releasing and doing so in the evening.

Lady Beetles, Coleoptera: Coccinellidae – 1/2 pint (1 cup approx. 3000 – 4000 covers up to 2,500 sq ft) $21.97 + UPS 2nd air

To purchase email me direct at ramonawerst@gmail.com I will need to know how many units of 1/2 pints you are wanting and your zipcode. I will send you an invoice including the shipping. Once you pay the invoice, I will notify you with a tracking number and a date to be looking for your shipment.