Hello Christin,

You went straight up the ladder to the State Entomologist with your question!

Here's what we got back from Dr. Margaret Skinner:

This is the lady beetle pupa. It looks to me like the pupal case of a multi-colored Lady beetle, Harmonia axyridis. They are not feeding on the plums but may be feeding on the aphids on the leaves. This is why it is important to know all the life stages of both pests and beneficial insects.

I suspect you are losing your plums to squirrels! The fruit on my fruit ladened plum tree was totally consumed by these mammalian pests. At this time of year it is good to have these insects around. They do become a pest sometimes in the fall when they enter homes to hibernate.

Here’s a useful website:

https://extension.psu.edu/multicolored-asian-lady-beetle-ladybug

Margaret Skinner, UVM Extension Entomologist

I hope this helps! Best of luck!