Lagerstroemia Bark Aphid (often mistaken for Crape Myrtle Bark Scale predators like the Twice-stabbed Lady Beetle, though the photograph likely shows Lady Beetle nymphs or adults in the family Coccinellidae feeding on scale)
Scientific Name: Chilocorus stigma (likely candidate for the beetles pictured)
Order & Family: Coleoptera, Coccinellidae
Size: 3 to 5 mm in length
Natural Habitat
Found on the bark of trees, particularly crape myrtles (Lagerstroemia), infested with scale insects
Diet & Feeding
Predatory; feeds primarily on scale insects, including crape myrtle bark scale and other soft-bodied aphids
Behavior Patterns
Active during the day; often found in clusters where scale infestations are heavy. They undergo complete metamorphosis from egg to larva, pupa, and adult.
Risks & Benefits
Highly beneficial to the ecosystem and gardeners as they provide biological control of invasive scale insects that damage ornamental trees.
Identified on: 6/12/2026