These ladybird beetles are about inch long, and orange with black spots. The spots may be faded in some, but they are similar in appearance to other ladybird beetles. Adults and immature stages are beneficial because they feed on aphids. The eggs are laid in the spring and the larvae and adults attack aphids. There are 2-3 generation per year.
Adults gather in large numbers to over-winter.
The adults may live 2-3 years and return to the same wintering site. Spray water on aggregations of the adults on the outside of the house in the fall. This may help to disperse them to other overwinter sites. Use a vacuum cleaner indoors to collect the adults.