Ladybird Beetle, Hyperaspis trifurcata

Irvine Regional Park, Orange, Orange County, CA. 9/30/06. © Peter J. Bryant	Ladybird Beetle Hyperaspis trifurcata Coleoptera: Coccinellidae Predator on Cochineal Insect. In the larval stage, this beetle accumulates the red carminic acid from the cochineal insect prey. Then, when disturbed, the beetle discharges the acid with drops of its blood, and the resulting compound keeps ants at bay. Back to Coleoptera index page Back to Arthropods of Orange County, California Back to Natural History of Orange County, California
Irvine Regional Park, Orange, Orange County, CA. 9/30/06. © Ron Hemberger	Irvine Regional Park, Orange, Orange County, CA. 9/30/06. © Ron Hemberger
Irvine Regional Park, Orange, Orange County, CA. 9/30/06. © Ron Hemberger	Irvine Regional Park, Orange, Orange County, CA. 9/30/06. © Ron Hemberger
Fullerton Arboretum, Fullerton, Orange County, CA. 12-15-09. © Ron Hemberger	Fullerton Arboretum, Fullerton, Orange County, CA. 12-15-09. © Ron Hemberger
Fullerton Arboretum, Fullerton, Orange County, CA. 12-28-09. © Ron Hemberger	Fullerton Arboretum, Fullerton, Orange County, CA. 12-28-09. © Ron Hemberger
Fullerton Arboretum, Fullerton, Orange County, CA. 3-5-10. © Ron Hemberger	Fullerton Arboretum, Fullerton, Orange County, CA. 3-5-10. © Ron Hemberger