Critters of the Week

Where Spotted: Bryan Park
Common Name: Squash Lady Beetle
Scientific Name: Epilachna borealis
Length: 7mm to 10mm (0.27″ to 0.39″)

Quick Facts

• It is one of two ladybugs or ladybird beetles that are common vegetable pests: the other being the Mexican bean beetle
• Squash Lady Beetles feed on the leaves of plants in the squash family. This includes summer squash, zucchini, and cucumbers. They also eat bean and pea plants, making them a nuisance in the garden.
• Adult squash beetles can also be found feeding on the rind of pumpkins and squash later in the season.
• It is often mistaken for a Ladybug or a Cucumber Beetle because of its similar appearance.
• Eggs are laid in July, generally on the undersides of the cucurbit leaves in somewhat loose individual clusters of around 45 (and up to as many as 400 total per mated female), and larvae develop through a total of four instar stages over the subsequent three to four weeks before pupating on the leaf undersides.
• Eggs are often consumed by larvae and adult Squash Beetles and other lady bugs. Squash Beetles can also be attacked by stink bugs, assassin bugs or parasitized by Tachinid flies.

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Sir Hamilton at Richmond SPCA

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Age: 6 years, 2 months
Gender: Neutered Male
Color: Brown / Black
Size: L (dog size guide)
ID: 47943339

Adopt Sir Hamilton at Richmond SPCA

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