Containers of living Convergent Lady Beetles can be purchased for garden and farm field release, though the effectiveness of this is being studied. They are native biological controls for plant pests like aphids, which can ruin fruit. If populations of these beetles can stabilize in agricultural areas, they offer farmers and gardeners a consistent, organic means of protecting harvests. If food sources are low, this species can lengthen parts of the life cycle to accommodate scarce food sources. Larvae may pupate longer, allowing aphid and whitefly numbers to increase, which then increases the survival and reproduction of the beetles once they are mature adults. Once released after purchase, however, there is no guarantee the Convergent Lady Beetles remain near the release site. Concerns that commercial beetles may harbor parasites have been raised. Exotic Lady Beetles, like the ubiquitous Asian Multicolored Lady Beetle, can displace the native Convergent Lady Beetle rendering their purchase mute. Despite these issues, this method of pest control remains popular.
Look for Convergent Lady Beetles in agricultural areas, gardens, meadows, lakeshores, and parks. Larvae and pupae are typically seen in early spring to early summer. Adults are active from spring through the summer.
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