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Lady bug but it isn't? #439278

Asked January 31, 2018, 2:00 PM EST

I see this lady bug looking insect. Orange w/ legs and spots. But it also has a single appendage toward the back that comes out sometimes and looks searated! It also flies. It's outer shell appears harder than a lady bug. What is that hideous little insect?

Ramsey County Minnesota

Expert Response

We might be able to identify the insect if you reply and attach sharp photos.
An Ask Extension Expert Replied January 31, 2018, 2:37 PM EST
Can't attach photo because it is winter here w/snow on the ground. No insects around 'till spring. You dig?
The Question Asker Replied January 31, 2018, 2:44 PM EST
There are so many orange beetle-like spotted insect species that we can't guess what it might be. Here are a few examples:

https://bugguide.net/node/view/766125/bgpage
https://bugguide.net/node/view/570758
http://hobbyfarms.com.s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/image_transfer/crops-gardening/pest-mexican-bean-be...
https://www.planetnatural.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/asparagus-beetle-adult.jpg
https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3570/<personal data hidden>_310b526821.jpg
http://www.macrophotobug.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/tortoise-beetle-18-55mm-at-18-zerene37.jpg

The inner wings of some beetles remain exposed momentarily after flight.
https://bugguide.net/images/raw/VLX/ZDL/VLXZDLMZVLKZTL7Z1L0ZKHERBLIZQH4RHHGRKH2RAL5RLHXZSHXROZ
MRFZ0R...

Some insects also sport ovipositors or other abdominal appendages:
https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/broad_necked_root_borer_deborah.jpg

In any case, please submit your question again, if and when you can obtain and attach a photo next summer.








An Ask Extension Expert Replied January 31, 2018, 4:39 PM EST

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