**Lady Bird Beetle (Coccinellidae)**

Lady bird beetles (Coccinellidae), also known as ladybugs, are beneficial insects that can can alleviate pest problems
Often considered the first line of defense against many soft bodied pest insects
Larvae and adults feed on insects, while adults also feed on nectar, pollen,and honeydew – one beetle can eat over 5000 aphids in its lifetime!
Eggs are tiny, bright yellow-orange, and spindle shaped
Larvae look different from adults, and are flattened and tapered, up to ¼” long, and dark colored with orange or yellow markings, often with short bristles along the body and three pairs of legs. Larvae move quickly.
Adults are from ¼-3/8″ long, and round or oval, coming in bright colors ranging from black to pink, yellow, or red, and may or may not have spots on the wings
Reside on leaf undersides
- Prey pests: aphids, spider mites, scales, whiteflies, leaf beetle larvae, insect eggs, and small caterpillars

Allow minor populations of soft body pest populations, especially in plants not sold that year
Avoid broad spectrums wherever possible
Monitor shaded regions for beneficial predators

Insecticides negatively impact ladybird beetles through direct contact and also when they eat prey that has been treated with insecticides
Some insecticides can have less of an impact on ladybirds
- Emamectin benzoate
Larvae are more susceptible than adults
If absolutely necessary, apply insecticides in the late evening or at night to minimize its impact on lady beetles