Adults are black, blue-black, brown or reddish, usually with an iridescent sheen. Larvae have long , segmented bodies and are cream, dark brown or black. Like adults, they are very fast. They are shield-shaped with spinelike shoulders. Nymphs are closer to oval shape, wingless and come in a variety of colors including black, orange, red or cream.
Ladybirds have short legs and antennas.
Larvae are alligator-shaped, usually dark with orange or yellow flecks and have a rough surface. A nice bug does no harm, meaning it's garden-friendly and doesn't eat any of your plants or crops. A really good bug eats those insects that do make mincemeat of your plants or crops. But understand, lots of good-bug behavior is hard to find. That's because much of it is out of sight.