Estivation Studies of the Convergent Lady Beetle in Arkansas

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Abstract
An investigation was made to determine whether summer estivation of the convergent lady beetle, Hippodamia convergens Guérin-Méneville, occurs in Arkansas. Results showed that, beginning in June, the convergent lady beetle populations in cultivated crops dropped very sharply. The beetles remaining in most fields were sexually inactive, with undeveloped ovaries and a low rate of oxygen consumption. Aggregations of convergent lady beetles began to appear on Pinnacle and Sugarloaf Mountains from the first to the last week in June. Beetles collected on mountain tops had undeveloped ovaries, and their oxygen-consumption rate was low. Aggregations formed about June 3, 1965, on Pinnacle Mountain remained intact until February 1966. In 1966, for some unexplained reason, aggregations formed about June 28 disappeared in September of that year. Estivation appeared to be facultative and associated with low prey populations. When aphids were abundant, as in early spring and fall, the beetles tended to be sexually active and showed a high rate of oxygen consumption.

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