This beetle is about ¼ inch long with a white or pale spot on either side of the head. The body is oval, and has a domed shape. The spot pattern is usually 1-4-2, black on the orange or red forewings. The larvae are dark and alligator-like with three pairs of prominent legs.
It has been spreading since its accidental introduction in Bergen county N.J. in 1973. Now common across southern Canada and the northern U.S. It is often found on aphid infested crops, including potatoes, legumes, sweet corn, alfalfa, wheat and sorghum. It has been repeatedly introduced to North America as a biological control agent to reduce aphid numbers, and is now established in North America, The adults are most abundant in mid to late summer. They live for weeks or months depending on the location, availability of prey and time of year.
Also known as the C-7.Adults overwinter in protected sites near the fields where they fed and reproduced. In spring, emerging beetles feed on aphids before laying eggs. Eggs are usually deposited near prey such as aphids, often in small clusters in protected sites on leaves and stems.
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