Most gardeners are content to simply identify them all as one bug with many different colors and markings. The head is smallish, partially protected by a black or black and white shield, but the bulk of the body is covered by the hard, colorful wing covers. Colors range from orange to orange-red to red, and occasionally black, with small or large spots ranging in number from two to twenty. The larvae are soft-bodied, flattened and ridged somewhat like an alligator.
Colors are gray, black or blue with bright yellow, orange white or red spots.
Eggs are football-shaped, yellow or orange, and laid standing on end in clusters on the undersides of leaves. The shield behind the head is black with white margins and two converging lines. This species is native to North America. Not caring for Eastern Washington, they relocated into Western Washington. Colors range from black with two red spots to red with 19 spots.