This lady beetle is bright orange with 20 (although some references say 23) black dots on its wing casings. It can easily be mistaken for a 26 or 28 spotted lady beetle, but when together there are obviously more spots on the pest species. This lady beetle has a distinct pattern on the area behind its head (the pronotum).
The larvae are completely black when they first hatch. After the 2nd instar they develop two yellow bands round their bodies.
Adult size: 6 - 8 mm
Out and about
They will be around all the year but especially numerous in spring when the weather is warmer and their food is plentiful. This is an Australian lady beetle found predominantly on the east coast especially in the southern states. It has been released in other countries as a biological control.
Reproduction and Life cycle
The female will lay eggs on plants usually where there is a food source, such as aphids, is on hand when the larvae hatch.
The larvae go through 4 instars before pupating and emerging as adults.
To deter
To control
Plants to repel
Plants to attract
Pollen- and nectar-bearing flowers
Alfalfa / Alyssum / Angelica / Buckwheat / Calendula / Chives / Coriander / Cosmos / Dandelion / Dill / Fennel / Feverfew / Marigold (lemon gem) / Mustard / Oleander / Queen Anne’s lace / Statice / Tansy / Yarrow (yellow and white) / Yellow nasturtiums (seem to like yellow colours, but not orange)
Predators
Why they are Beneficial
Both the adults are larvae are predators of aphids, scale and mites
