Scientific Name:
Hippodamia convergens
Nickname: Convergent lady beetle (Lady Bug), American lady beetle (Lady Bug)
Appearance/Size:
Orange/Red, adults are about 4-7 mm in length.
Prefered Habitat:
65°F-78°F. They need an abundant food supply in order to reproduce.
Reproduction:
The female lady beetle lays 200 to 300 eggs. They are small spindle-shaped laid near the prey in upright batches of fifteen to thirty eggs. The larvae are dark and somewhat alligator-shaped.
Eat:
Larvae can consume up to 50 aphids per day. Adults will survive on honeydew or nectar if food supply is low, but can eat up to 15,000 aphids throughout their adult life. They feed on soft-bodied insects, spider mites, aphids and whiteflies.
Release Rates:
1500 will cover an area of about 1000 square feet. Release about 1-2 per square feet, or 2-3 per plant. Increase as needed. Can be refrigerated until needed.
DO NOT FREEZE!