Polished Lady Beetle (Cycloneda munda)

The Polished Lady Beetle is native to North America and is known for its smooth and glossy appearance. Its shell is vibrant and ranges from orange to red, with unspotted forewings, which gives it a minimalist and unique look. 

Unlike other lady beetles, this is a solitary creature found in trees, shrubs, fields, and gardens. It feeds on aphids and other soft-bodied insects, including their eggs, making it a helpful ally to gardeners and farmers.

During the breeding season, the female Polished Lady Beetle lays hundreds of eggs near aphid colonies to feed the larvae when they hatch.