Subject: Is this a variety of ladybug?
Location: San Jose East foothills
May 5, 2013 2:39 pm
I found a bunch of these as I was clearing out some alyssum and weeds next to my clemetis. It is small (about 1/8-1/4” max) looks kinda like a lady bug in shape but different markings and I wanted to know if it was beneficial or not. This was taken May 5th
Thanks!
Signature: Denise
Dear Denise,
This is the nymph of a Harlequin Stink Bug, Murgantia histrionica, a species that feeds on fluids of plants mainly in the cabbage family. You can compare your image to this photo on BugGuide.
Thank You for such a quick reply – and on a Sunday too!
Your site is great!