What most people refer to as a lady bug is actually the sevenspotted lady beetle Coccinella septempunctata. They are a beneficial insect , and are natural enemies to many species of aphids.
Most lady beetles, including the sevenspotted lady beetle, are predaceous as both larvae and adults.
Adults are between 0.28 to 0.31 inch (7-8mm). Seven black spots are located on its red or orangish wing covers. Larvae are alligator shaped and are the same length as adults. The pupal stage lasts between 3 -12 days and is temperature dependent.
Females deposit spindle shaped, small eggs 0.04 inch (1 mm long) in small clusters on leaves and stems. The eggs are typically laid near prey. Female lady beetles can lay from 200-1000 over a one to three month period.
To find out more, please see UC IPM’s Natural Enemies Gallery.
