Squash Lady Beetle

Agricultural fields and gardens, specifically on cucurbit plants like squash, pumpkin, and melons.

Herbivorous; feeds on the leaves and sometimes the rinds of cucurbitaceous plants.

Unlike most predatory lady beetles, this species and its larvae feed on plant tissue, often creating circular skeletonized feeding patterns. They overwinter as adults in leaf litter.

A significant agricultural pest that can damage or kill squash and melon crops. Beneficial only as a food source for natural predators like birds.