I was sitting outside Doyle Hall last week enjoying the transition from day to evening and worrying about all the assignments/readings/projects that will somehow need to get done. I felt a small tingle on my arm only to find a ladybug exploring. I was able to get a picture of it and attempted to identify the species. To my best knowledge and research abilities I believe the lady bug is a Mexican Bean Beetle. This beetle is native to Mexico although it is found in the southeast United States.
The Mexican Bean Beetle is considered to be a pest by many gardeners as it eats any leaf in sight during it’s entire life cycle. Pesticides are the most common solution for the management of this beetle, however that is an environmentally degrading solution and for organic farmers it is out of the question. New management techniques include introducing one of the over 17 predators. This seems to help with population numbers however some unintended consequences have yet to be seen. The beetle may adapt to these predators over time or the introduction of the predators can cause more damage or loss of other species. For farmers and gardeners these factors must be considered when dealing with beetles or any pest. Their role in the environment is important despite the fact that they are labeled a pest. My iNaturalist post is here.
References:
http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/veg/bean/mexican_bean_beetle.htm