Commonly called ladybugs, convergent lady beetles (Hippodamia convergens) live in a variety of habitats across Arizona, including grasslands and forests, and they’re fond of warmer climates. They subsist on a diet of soft-bodied insects, especially aphids. Interestingly, when nutrients are scarce, lady beetles will enter a state called diapause, a delay in development in response to harsh environmental conditions; sometimes, diapause can last as long as nine months. These convergent lady beetles were photographed on State Route 288, also known as the Young Highway.
Additional Reading: To learn about Arizona’s animals, pick up one of our wildlife-themed books. Arizona Wildlife, by Bruce D. Taubert, offers stunning images of the state’s native species, while the Arizona Highways Wildlife Guide, by Brooke Bessesen, features 125 of Arizona’s most frequently viewed mammals, reptiles, birds, amphibians and fish. To order online, visit shoparizonahighways.com/books.