CLOSED: bug id

Colima, Mexico(Zone 11)

I looked in the BugFiles and can't even figure out what order this bug belongs in. The mature adults are about 3/4" long (2 cm), black and yellow. They are showing up consistently in a wild Aristolochia (sp. unknown) and i wonder what they are up to...no good, i suspect. I've noticed that some of the Aristolochia leaves are shiny and think perhaps they are laying eggs or wanting to prey on the polydamas swallowtail caterpillars/eggs. I have been hand squishing them. The bodies are like jello with no hard beetle shell. I expect they are common (i hope they are wanting to eat the aphids) but don't have an idea of their order. It appears that they do not fly, have six legs, and are really disgusting to squish. Thanks to anyone who can point me in the right direction regarding this bug. I am located in Colima, Mexico (zone 10b).

Thumbnail by vitrsna
Minot, ND

Larva of a lady beetle, unsure of species. Most like this one feed mainly on aphids and the like.

Colima, Mexico(Zone 11)

o dios mio! i cannot believe i've been killing them. i hope the lady beetles continue to produce their larva on this plant. the squishing has stopped completely...i feel terrible, i really hate myself right now although this is not the first miserable mistake i've made. we do have a few different kinds. I think these particular larva come from all red lady beetles (no spots or dots) because these are the lady beetles that have been making this plant home, i also have mostly black lady beetles with 2 bright orange to red spots on each wing and the image i have attached to this post shows their larva so i assumed all lady beetle larva would be similar. we are lucky to have you and moonhowl on this forum. the information you provide is truly valuable. thank you Flapdoodle.

Thumbnail by vitrsna

Post a Reply to this Thread

Please or sign up to post.
BACK TO TOP