Asian lady beetles have canceled any outdoor plans here.

[IADEMO2004]

Clouds of them moving out of the bean fields.

[Sal Minella]

1. I wonder where they are going, and what their plans for winter are . . .

I miss the old-fashioned ladybugs with just a few big spots on their backs -- they were a brighter orange, and not so flat as the Asian model.

But I got accustomed to Toyotas, suppose I can get accustomed to the Asian lady beetles.

[IADEMO2004]

3. A Toyota has never crawled down my collar to bite me on the neck

I wore a hooded sweater with the string tied tight in 70 degree weather.

[Sal Minella]

5. I remember being bitten as a kid by the yellow-and-black larval form

of the old-style "Made In USA" ladybug -- I don't remember being bitten by adults.

But it doesn't make sense that the larvae would bite and the adults not, does it.

With such great clouds of the adult insects rising out of the bean fields, it sounds like the larvae feed and mature on plant juices, possibly snacking on people occasionally?

[IADEMO2004]

6. They are supposed to eat aphids not me. Link to USDA

http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/br/lbeetle/

Snip
Multicolored Asian lady beetle (Harmonia axyridis)—This insect has a wider range of colors and spot numbers than other lady beetle species. Wings range from black to mustard; spots number zero to many.
The multicolored Asian lady beetle (Harmonia axyridis) is native to Asia but occurs in many areas of the United States. This beneficial insect was imported and released as early as 1916 in attempts to naturally control certain insect pests. But the first populations were not found in this country until 1988 in Louisiana near the busy port of New Orleans.

Over the years, federal, state and private entomologists released the insect at a number of locations. But it was not detected in these places until some years after it had became established in Louisiana. In addition, accidental entries have occurred via imported nursery items at ports in Delaware and South Carolina. Thus, it is uncertain whether the beetle's establishment resulted from planned releases, accidental entries or both.


The multicolored Asian lady beetle is similar to other familiar lady beetles commonly found throughout the United States. Like the familiar lady beetles, the multicolored Asian lady beetle feeds on insect pests in orchards and forests but may also occur on row crops and in gardens.

Lady beetles have four distinct life stages: egg, larva, pupa and adult. The multicolored Asian lady beetle adults begin laying eggs on host plants in early spring. Eggs hatch in about three to five days, and larvae begin searching on plants for aphids and other soft-bodied arthropods on which to feed. Adults and larvae typically feed upon the same prey. Larvae molt four times, becoming larger after each molt, and enter an immobile pupal stage after the last molt.

After several days, the adult beetle emerges from the pupal case. Development time from egg to adult requires about 15-25 days depending on temperature and food availability. Later in the fall, near the time of killing frosts, the adult beetles seek shelter to spend the winter.

End snip

[Sal Minella]

7. Thanks for posting this.

Aphids! Of course.

I KNEW that, years ago, but that track in the hard drive must have gotten written over (accomplishments of grandchildren or names of great-grandchildren, probably . . . )

[IADEMO2004]

8. Ha You only need to save the good stuff

We would like to down load some grandchildren but the boys are taking their time. It isn't as precious to them.

[Sal Minella]

9. You have a treat in store. Those funny people who carry around

photos of their grandchildren? You'll be one of them, and you'll love every minute of it.

[petersjo02]

2. Agreed

Bean field to the east of our property combines today. Asian beetles cover every square inch of the siding on our house. Can't get in the house without bringing in a dozen or more on our clothing. It is a beautiful day today, but the bombardment makes it pretty difficult to enjoy being outside.

[IADEMO2004]

4. We had to sweep the house door before going in

and the delay let more land on us. Steven King book idea?

[Condem]

10. Man. I get a kick out of the little buggers.

I guess it's not the same living in town.