Hippodamia convergens
convergent lady beetle

Common and widespread in North America, thanks in part to commercial sales for biological control. Ranges to South America (Hoffmann and Frodsham 1993, White 1983).

H. convergens is found in a diversity of areas: fields, forests, gardens--anywhere there is ample vegetation that is infested with other insects included in the beetle's diet. They can be found in abundance in gardens, and farms where aphids and other pests are plentiful. Some ladybugs have been transplanted to areas where there has been a large problem with pest control.

The convergent lady beetle has a semi-hemispherical shape and a tannish/reddish coloring speckled with black dots. H. convergens has short legs and 3 distinct segments in the hind tarsi. Both of these characteristics distinguish them from other beetles. Their topside is round and almost completely covers the head, while the underside is flat.

H. convergens is a social insect without a hierarchical system. They are most active in the summer months and they hibernate in the winter. For this hibernation, the beetles assemble in masses to hibernate in protected areas such as under branches or rocks.

H. convergens is predacious. It feeds solely on other insects and small arthropods, their eggs, and larvae. Aphids, scale insects, and plant mites are their typical prey.

Convergent lady beetles have been known to carry the fungus Discula destructiva, which has a harmful effect on Cornus florida, a dogwood tree native to the Eastern United States. The fungus is picked up by the insect, kept inside small crevices on its body, and then deposited onto the leaves of the trees. Damage by D. destructiva can kill the host tree.

H. convergens feeds on aphids and other insects that have detrimental effects on crops. They are sold commercially or insect pest control.

This range of this species has been expanded by its use in agriculture.

The name ladybug can be traced to the middle ages where these insects were dubbed "Beetle of Our Lady" and dedicated to the Virgin Mary because it was thought to have come from heaven to save crops. Today, in other parts of the world, these insects are believed to signal a bountiful harvest, good weather, or even good luck.

Ladybugs are more properly known as lady beetles, because "bug" applies most accurately only to insects in the order Hemiptera.

Some people find it a nuisance when lady beetles come into their houses in large numbers to hibernate. The best course of action is to sweep or vacuum them up gently, and seal cracks to prevent them from gaining entry. They are not harmful to people (Klaas 1998).