Ladybug Beetles

Here is one of the familiar 400 coccinellid species found in North America, Ladybug beetles, this one being a Seven spotted lady bug, Coccinella septempunctata. Ladybugs have the prestigious position of probably being the most abundant predator in a milkweed community. The adults and the larva prey on aphids and small caterpillars. In addition, ladybugs are a beneficial beetle to have in your garden, as they lay their eggs on plant leaves containing their prey, convenient for their larvae upon hatching, and doing the job of parasite control in your garden! Note the tiny red milkweed nymph at lower right of photo.