The 12-Spotted Lady Beetle has a large appetite. The female lives for 8-12 weeks and can deposit an average of 12 eggs per day. During this time, the female consumes from 10-55 host units per day, depending upon size and species of host. Strategy for Release. The adults search for hosts, feed, lay eggs, and go search for more hosts.
Adults locate infestations and distribute eggs.
Adults provide some immediate suppression, but also contribute to a developing population of larvae that will continue to control pests for several weeks in the future. Larvae do not travel very far. They will feed in an area occupied by hosts until they complete development or deplete all of the hosts, locally. Larvae clean up infestations before they move about in search of more hosts. Larvae are great for immediate suppression of pests in localized areas.