Lady-in-Waiting

The aphid killers — http://365project.org/rhoing/365/2012-10-18 — are being transformed into pupae. The final, adult stage for these strange creatures will be as Multicolored Asian Lady Beetles (“Harmonia axyridis”). Really cool image with all three stages (not mine): http://bugguide.net/node/view/714266/bgimage

From my National Wildlife Federation Field Guide to Insects and Spiders of North America:
“This species is native to Siberia, China, and Japan; it became established in North America after its introduction, either purposeful or accidental, into the southeastern U.S. between 1978 and 1981. This species is extremely variable, with more than 100 color forms — http://www.wadags.co.uk/images/Harmonia_colour_variants_plate.jpg In North America, multicolored Asian lady beetles are sometimes considered a nuisance when they congregate in large number on homes and outbuildings. Adults and larvae prey on aphids and scale insects in gardens, parks, meadows, and other open habitats. Adults are seen year-round in southern parts of range.”

From bugguide.net:
“First introduced to North America (for biological control of aphids) in California in 1916, and again in California in 1964 and 1965. Also introduced in Washington state from 1978–1982, and in Nova Scotia, Connecticut, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Washington D.C., Delaware, Maine, Mississippi, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina from 1978–1981 [Gordon, 1985]. Despite the numerous intentional releases, the species did not become established until 1988 in Louisiana [Chapin and Broux, 1991]. Thereafter, it spread rapidly throughout most of United States, reaching Canada in 1994” — http://bugguide.net/node/view/397

Didn’t notice the fly below-right from the pupa. Wings twice as long as the body should be a clue for fly experts!

A year ago (“Getting estimates…”): http://365project.org/rhoing/365/2011-10-20

[Lindy]

What an unusual capture.

[Karen bable]

That bug is dead meat. We were walking along the beach yesterday and there were thousands of dead lady bugs on the shore line...I must google it to see why!

[Rick Schies]

That is such a cool close-up

[Tara]

Very unusual find. Thanks for the info!