Squash Lady Beetle

Natural Habitat

Gardens, fields, and agricultural areas where cucurbit plants (squash, pumpkins, cucumbers, melons) are grown.

Diet & Feeding

Unlike most lady beetles that are predatory, the Squash Lady Beetle is herbivorous. Both adults and larvae feed exclusively on the leaves, stems, and fruits of plants in the cucurbit family (Cucurbitaceae).

Behavior Patterns

Adults overwinter in protected locations such as leaf litter or beneath bark. They emerge in spring to lay yellow, spindle-shaped eggs in clusters on the undersides of cucurbit leaves. Larvae are spiny, yellowish, and also feed on plant tissue. There can be one to three generations per year depending on the region.

Risks & Benefits

Potential risks: The Squash Lady Beetle is considered a pest in gardens and agricultural settings as its feeding can cause significant damage to cucurbit crops, reducing yields and quality. Heavy infestations can skeletonize leaves and scar fruits. Potential benefits: None as a pest species. Its presence indicates a healthy cucurbit population for its survival.

Identified on: 10/12/2025