Ladybug beetle, SEM

Scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of Ladybug beetle head with mouth parts (Coccinella novemnotata). Coccinella novemnotata, the nine-spotted lady beetle (ladybird beetle), from the family Coccinellidae. It was once the most prevalent ladybird beetle species in its range. It was found throughout the Nearctic region in the United States and southern Canada. Coccinella novemnotata is found on agricultural land and lives on various crops such as alfalfa, clover, corn, cotton, potatoes and soybeans. These beetles can also be found on a variety of non-agricultural vegetation in wooded habitats, grasslands and suburban areas. Coccinella novemnotata is an insectivore coccinellid and thrives primarily on a diet of aphids. They will also eat spider mites, alfalfa weevils, the nymphs of leafhoppers, and lepidopteran eggs. Magnification: x23 when shortest axis printed at 25 millimetres.