June predators

Where abundant prey grazes the earth, predators are not far behind. The tasty (and very numerous) aphids merrily sucking the juices off the marsh elder (Iva frutescens) prove irresistible to lady beetles and other visitors.

This is actually an introduced species, a famous (or infamous) Multicolored Asian lady beetle (Harmonia axyridis). Their color is very variable, and this particular form is spotless. The species was introduced in the US to control aphids and is still sold by some stores that offer "biological control". The adults can become a nuisance in the fall when they seek shelter inside houses for hibernation. The larvae (immatures) consume the most aphids, but handle with care, they bite!

With an aphid, back to back