Consumes aphids, whitefly, scale, and eggs of many insects. They will be pre-fed, but they will be thirsty so provide them with available water so they will stop and drink and not fly away in search of water. Use 1 beetle/sq. ft. (1 pint/5,000 sq. ft.) Recommend 2-3 releases when pests first appear. Only adults will be shipped. ***Out-of-state addresses must be shipped at least 2nd Day Air. We will call with freight total for Out-of-state addresses. Aprox cost of out of state addresses is $35.00***

Lady beetles, (Hippodamia convergens) are easily identified by their shiny, half-dome shape and their short, clubbed antennae. Young lady beetle larvae usually pierce and suck the contents from their prey. Older larvae and adults chew and consume their entire prey. Larvae are active, elongate, have long legs, and resemble tiny alligators. Many lady beetles look alike and accurate identification requires a specialist.

This particular species is one of the most common Lady Beetles in North America. It is sometimes referred to as a “Ladybird Beetle”. It is very recognizable with its black and white head, orange or red rounded body with 13 black spots. Both larvae and adults consume enormous quantities of small insects and soft-bodied arthropods, e.g., aphids, whitefly, scale, and the eggs of many insects. The adult females lay their eggs (approximately 30) on a leaf or stem close to a food source (i.e. an insect cluster). One female can lay up to 500 eggs in her lifetime (just a few months). The small yellow eggs will hatch into larvae that are black with orange spots. The larvae immediately begin feeding on the nearby insects. The larvae will continue feeding as they molt and grow, eventually reaching their pupa stage at which point they form a spiny cocoon. They will remain at this stage for a period of up to twelve days depending on climate. The adults will emerge from the cocoon and begin feeding and mating. Lady Beetles have few predators (the lacewing larvae will prey on larvae) and hibernate over Winter.  

***Please note insects are live creatures and can only ship Monday or Tuesday to insure arriving alive. Orders placed after 12 noon pacific time on tues. will get

shipped the following week.***