Product description

Hippodamia convergens — pre-fueled and pest-focused.

These are Hippodamia convergens, also known as the convergent lady beetle — a native North American species widely recognized for its role in natural pest control. Unlike the imported and invasive Harmonia axyridis (the multicolored Asian lady beetle), H. convergens is a beneficial predator that blends right into your local ecosystem without disrupting it.

Each adult can consume up to 50 aphids per day, and they’re not picky. These ladybugs will also snack on thrips, mealybugs, scale crawlers, whitefly nymphs, and spider mites when aphids aren’t available. Their flexible diet and ability to hunt across a range of crops and ornamentals make them a go-to solution for organic growers, greenhouse operators, and rare plant collectors alike.

Why Pre-Fed?

Hunger makes a bug wander. Pre-fed ladybugs are less likely to fly away immediately after release — giving them a better chance to explore your plants, find pest colonies, and settle in. Some will lay eggs near pest pressure. If that happens, their larvae do the heavy lifting: feeding nonstop for about a month before pupating and starting the cycle again. (No guarantees, but if conditions are right, you’ll get backup.)

Science-y Stuff

Species: Hippodamia convergens

Native Range: Found throughout the continental United States, particularly common west of the Mississippi

Target Pests: Aphids (primary), plus thrips, spider mites, mealybugs, whiteflies, scale crawlers, and other soft-bodied insects

Dietary Range: Predominantly aphidophagous, but will opportunistically feed on other pest species

Temperature Tolerance: Active in 33–105°F

Humidity Range: Tolerant of variable environments, though best activity occurs in moderate humidity

How They Work

Adults feed on pests immediately after release

Some may lay eggs near pest colonies

Larvae hatch (if eggs are laid), then feed aggressively for 2–4 weeks

Larvae pupate and emerge as adults, ready to restart the cycle

Even if no new generation occurs, adults will significantly reduce pest load

Release Guidelines

Preventative: 1 per sq. ft., monthly

Active Infestations: 1 per sq. ft., every 2 weeks

High Value Plants: Consider repeated introductions to maintain pressure

Pro Tips

Mist Before Release: Hydrates the bugs and makes foliage more inviting

Timing Matters: Release early morning or evening to avoid heat-induced dispersal

Keep Expectations Grounded: Not every beetle will lay eggs — this is a living system, not a subscription box

Storage

Store at 36–45°F for up to 30 days if needed, but fresher is better. Ladybugs will slowly become less active and less hungry the longer they’re stored.