Coleomegilla maculata (Predator)

Description

Order Deadlines: ALL BENEFICIAL INSECTS – must be ordered and paid for by Wednesday ( 12pm Eastern Standard Time ) for shipping the following Tuesday (Exceptions: Beneficial Nematodes, Ladybugs, and Praying Mantis). 

Harness the power of Coleomegilla maculata, the pink-spotted lady beetle, for efficient and eco-friendly pest control in your garden or crops. Known for its effective biological pest control capabilities, this native North American predator targets a wide range of harmful insects, including aphids, spider mites, thrips, and insect eggs.

Key Features for Pest Control:

• Generalist Predator: C. maculata is a versatile predator, feeding on aphids, mites, whiteflies, and even the eggs of pests like Colorado potato beetles.
• Lifecycle Efficiency: With larvae that are particularly voracious, C. maculata can consume more prey than its adult counterparts, making it a highly efficient pest control solution.
• Pollen Supplementation: Unlike many other lady beetles, C. maculata can survive on pollen when prey is scarce, ensuring its persistence in a variety of environments.

Identification:

• Adults: The adult beetles are pinkish-red with 12 distinct black spots—10 on the elytra and 2 on the pronotum. They measure about 1/3 inch in length, making them easy to spot.
• Larvae: The larvae are black with orange markings and feature a spiny, alligator-like appearance, making them easily recognizable as they hunt down pests.

Ideal For:

• Home gardens, greenhouses, and agricultural settings looking for natural pest control solutions.

General Guidelines:

• Low to Moderate Infestations: 5–10 adults or larvae per plant or 1,000–2,000 per acre.
• High Infestations: 10–20 adults or larvae per plant or 2,000–5,000 per acre.