Aggregation of Lady Beetles on the Shores of Lakes (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)

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Abstract
Aggregations of lady bettles, predominately Hippodamia convergens and H. tredecimpunctata, were commonly observed on the shores of lakes in the upper midtime, usually dispersing within 2-3 wk. Lady beetles from autumn shore aggregations and overwintering aggregations are characterized by the presence of large amounts of fat, reproductive inactivity, empty digestive tracts, a skew in the sex ratio favoring females and the behavioral tendency to form aggregations. H. convergens, the most commonly observed coccinellid in shore aggregations, undergoes long migratory flights to and from overwintering sites in California [USA]. Similar migratory activity occurs in the upper midwest and during these flights the beetles may be blown into the water and washed ashore, forming the aggregations. In contrast with the overwintering aggregations in California, the shore aggregations reported in this study appear to be temporary shoreline collections and not the overwintering site.

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