larch ladybird, larch ladybug, Larch Lady Beetle
Aphidecta obliterata is a small ladybird beetle (3.5–5 mm) native to Europe, with introduced populations in North America. It is a specialized predator of conifer-infesting aphids and adelgids, particularly associated with spruce and larch. The species exhibits remarkable color polymorphism, ranging from tan to brown with pinkish tints to nearly black. Multiple unsuccessful attempts were made to introduce it to eastern Canada as a biological control agent for the balsam woolly aphid (Adelges piceae) beginning in 1941. Females demonstrate sophisticated oviposition behavior, using conspecific larval tracks and egg-surface chemicals to avoid sites with high cannibalism risk.
Cream-spot ladybird, Cream-spot lady beetle
Brumus quadripustulatus is a small ladybird beetle native to Europe and northern Asia, now established in North America. It is recognized by its distinctive cream-colored spots on a dark, nearly black background. The species inhabits various wooded and shrubby environments and has been observed preying on aphids and scale insects.
three-banded lady beetle, three-banded ladybug
Coccinella trifasciata, the three-banded lady beetle, is a widely distributed species in the family Coccinellidae. It occurs across North America, Europe, Northern Asia (excluding China), Oceania, and Southern Asia. The species includes three recognized subspecies, with C. t. perplexa found from Labrador to New Jersey and west to Alaska and California, and C. t. subversa ranging from British Columbia to California. Adults of the subspecies C. t. perplexa have been documented as hosts for the parasitoid wasp Perilitus coccinellae in Ontario, Canada.
Spotless Lady Beetles
Cycloneda is a genus of lady beetles in the family Coccinellidae, commonly known as spotless lady beetles. The genus contains approximately 18–20 described species distributed primarily in the Americas. Members of this genus are recognized by their typically unmarked, polished elytra lacking the spots characteristic of many other coccinellids. They are predatory beetles that feed on soft-bodied insects, particularly aphids and spider mites, and are valued as biological control agents in agricultural and garden settings.
Western Polished Lady Beetle, Western Blood-red Lady Beetle, Polished Ladybug, Western Spotless Ladybird Beetle
Cycloneda polita is a small, spotless lady beetle native to western North America. Unlike most lady beetles, it lacks the characteristic spots on its elytra, presenting a uniform red or orange-red appearance. The species is commonly found in diverse habitats ranging from grasslands to forest edges, where it preys on aphids and other small soft-bodied insects. It is one of the most frequently observed lady beetles in its range, with over 6,000 documented observations on citizen science platforms.
Yellow-crested Aegis
Egius platycephalus is a species of lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae, representing the sole member of the genus Egius. The species is known from both native and introduced ranges, with established populations in Hawaii and the continental United States. It is commonly referred to as the Yellow-crested Aegis.
Greater Lady Beetles
Harmonia is a genus of lady beetles (family Coccinellidae) commonly known as Greater Lady Beetles. The genus includes the widely introduced Multicolored Asian Lady Beetle (Harmonia axyridis), which has become established across North America and other regions as a biological control agent for aphids and other soft-bodied pests. Members of this genus are predatory beetles with highly variable coloration and spot patterns. The genus is native to Asia, with some species now distributed globally due to intentional introductions for pest management.
thirteen-spot ladybeetle, thirteen-spotted lady beetle
Hippodamia tredecimpunctata is a medium-sized lady beetle distinguished by thirteen dark spots on red to orange elytra. It occupies a narrow ecological niche in wetland habitats across the northern hemisphere, where it preys on aphids associated with grasses and sedges. The species has experienced population declines in parts of North America following the introduction of the non-native seven-spot lady beetle.
Hyperaspis brunnescens is a small species of lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae, described by Dobzhansky in 1941. It is native to North America and has been recorded from Illinois and Nova Scotia. Adults measure approximately 2.30–2.50 mm in length. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in pronotum coloration: males have a dull yellow pronotum, while females have a brownish black pronotum with a faint yellow lateral border. The elytra are brownish black with two longitudinal vittae (stripes).
Hyperaspis inedita is a small lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae. Adults measure 2.65–3 mm in length. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in pronotal coloration: males have a yellow anterior margin and lateral area on the pronotum, while females have a black anterior margin with a yellow lateral area. A red spot is present on each elytron. The species is found in the southeastern and central United States.
Hyperaspis nigrosuturalis is a small lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae. Adults reach approximately 3.40 mm in length. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in coloration: males have yellow heads and yellow lateral margins on the pronotum, while females have black heads and entirely black pronota. The elytra are red with black margins in both sexes. It is native to North America, with records from Florida.
Hyperaspis osculans is a small lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae. Adults measure 2.50–3.10 mm. The species is native to North America and has been recorded from California. Like other members of the genus Hyperaspis, it is a predator of scale insects. The larvae produce a white waxy coating that serves as camouflage and protection against predators.
Hyperaspis querquesi is a small lady beetle species in the family Coccinellidae. Adults measure approximately 2.55–2.70 mm in length. The species is known from California, where it has been recorded in association with scale insects. Like other members of the genus Hyperaspis, it likely functions as a biological control agent of scale insect pests.
24-spot Ladybird, Alfalfa Lady Beetle
A small ladybird beetle, 3–4 mm long, with a domed shape and velvety, hair-covered wing-cases. Unlike most ladybirds, it is herbivorous, feeding on fungal mycelium rather than aphids. The species shows high variability in spot patterns, typically bearing 20–24 black spots on a dark orange background, though melanic and spotless forms occur. Winglessness is common, particularly in western populations, with flight ability varying geographically.