Parenthesis Lady Beetle © Jason Michael Crockwell
Parenthesis Lady Beetle © Kent McFarland
Parenthesis Lady Beetle © Kent McFarland
The Parenthesis Lady Beetle is native to North America and found throughout the United States. Its wing covers are red-orange, with seven black spots. The two black spots farthest away from its head are curved and will sometimes connect with the two spots directly above them.
Status
Native
In Canada, the Parenthesis Lady Beetle is listed as Apparently Secure in the Northwest Territories, Yukon, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Ontario; Secure in Alberta; and Vulnerable in British Columbia, Nova Scotia, and Manitoba. The Parenthesis Lady Beetle does not have a ranking in the United States.
Last Seen
2021
Fun Fact
The Parenthesis Lady Beetle is not found in the southeastern United States or northern Pacific coast.
Identification
The Parenthesis Lady Beetle is oblong in shape and between 4 and 5 mm in length.
- Head is black, with two spots (one above each eye) and a “blaze” in the center. These markings are white to yellow-orange in color.
- The pronotum has a large black patch in the center, which vaguely resembles a distorted “H.” The margins are white to yellow-orange in color.
- The elytra are yellow to orange in color, with 5 black spots in total. There are three spots at the top of the elytra (near the pronotum): one on the outer edge of each elytron, and one central spot that spans both wing covers. The two spots at the bottom of the elytra are large and oblong, often resembling parenthesis.
- Often confused with the Asian Lady Beetle and the Spotted Lady Beetle.
Habitat
Meadows, grasslands, fields, early successional areas.
General Range
North to the Northwest Territories, south to South Carolina, west to California, and east to the coast.
Food
Aphids, small insects, insect eggs.
Life Cycle
Eggs are laid on leaves and stems, hatching within 3 to 5 days. The larvae grow and complete their growth in 10 to 14 days. Larvae pupate on leaves and stems as well, emerging within 5 to 7 days. Parenthesis Lady Beetles can be found from April through November in Vermont. The Parenthesis Lady Beetle is most frequently found in June and July in fields and field margins.
More Information
You can find more information about Parenthesis Lady Beetles using the following links:
Vermont Distribution
Visit the iNaturalist Observation Map and Occurrence Records to find out where Parenthesis Lady Beetles have been seen in Vermont.
