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Southeastern Apple ProductionENTOMOLOGY |
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Lady Beetles
Coccinella septempunctata, Hippodamia convergens,etc
Description
A number of different species of lady beetles (LB) occur on apple, but C. septempunctata and H. convergens are two of the more common. Most LB adults are brightly colored (usually red or orange) and approximately 1/4 inch in diameter. Larvae are usually blue-black with orange markings and an alligator-like appearance. Eggs are spindle-shaped, yellow or orange, and often laid in clusters.
 Adult |
 Larva |
Life History
Different ladybeetle species may overwinter as adults in diapause, as larvae, or by migrating to warmer regions. In spring, adult females lay eggs near prey, which serves as a food source for both adults and first-generation larvae. Larvae pass through three instars before attaching themselves to leaves, apples, or other objects to pupate. Pupation lasts about 5 to 8 days, and emerging adults often leave behind pupal cases. There are usually 2 to 3 generations per year.
 Ladybeetle adults |
Pupal case adhered to apple surface |
Predation
Both adults and larvae feed on Green apple and spirea aphids and the eggs of lepidopterous insects.
 Ladybeetle larvae feeding on green apple aphids |
Insect and Mite Management Overview
Insect and Mite Index
Southeastern Apple Production Mountain Horticultural Crops Research & Extension Center 455 Research Drive Mills River, NC 28759 Phone: 828.684.3562 ~ Fax: 828.684.8715 Email: jim_walgenbach@ncsu.edu |
Web Crafters: Anne S. Napier and
Steve Schoof |
Updated March 8, 2007