




Cycloneda polita
The Western Polished Lady Beetle is a shiny little bug that loves to eat aphids! They have bright colors that help them stand out in gardens and fields.
Habitat: Urban areas
The Western Polished Lady Beetle has a distinct, unspotted, bright red or orange domed body. Its head and pronotum (the segment behind the head) feature a unique black pattern resembling a 'W' or 'M' shape on a white background, setting it apart from other lady beetles.





Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Did you know lady beetle larvae look like tiny, spiky alligators?
Lady beetles "play dead" by freezing and tucking in their legs if threatened.
Some lady beetles gather in huge groups to stay warm in winter!
Their bright colors are a warning sign to birds: "I taste yucky!"
Western Polished Lady Beetle can ooze a bitter, yellowish liquid from its leg joints because of special glands, which helps them deter hungry predators.
Western Polished Lady Beetle has strong wings that help them quickly fly between plants to find food and escape danger.
Western Polished Lady Beetle can cling to smooth surfaces like leaves and stems because of tiny hairs on its feet, which helps them walk anywhere.
A tiny hunter, it loves to feast on garden pests like aphids and other small, soft-bodied insects.
Age differences: Larvae are also voracious predators of aphids and other small pests, growing quickly.
Aphis gossypii
A primary food source for both adult and larval beetles.
Troglodytes aedon
Birds are common predators of lady beetles, despite their defenses.
Helianthus annuus
Provides shelter and often hosts the aphids they hunt.
Marked with spots or patches of a different color.
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates.
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment.
This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces.
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
No aliases listed yet.
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Lady beetles are safe to watch, but don't touch them too much to keep them happy.
9-14 mm
4-7 mm
30-90 days
10 km/h
A tiny hunter, it loves to feast on garden pests like aphids and other small, soft-bodied insects.
Urban areas
Foraging
6
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