Red Lady Beetles on Royal Empress: Aphid Predators, Not Pests

Those Dark Red “Lady Bugs” Are Helping

The beetles are likely lady beetle adults feeding on aphids—the real culprits behind curled, brown‑centered leaves.

What’s Happening

• Aphids suck sap → leaves curl, brown, distort.
• Lady beetles eat aphids but can’t keep up initially.
• Cold snap may have stressed the tree, making it more susceptible.

Action: Systemic Insecticide

Apply imidacloprid soil drench (Bayer Advanced 12‑Month) now.

• Kills aphids feeding on sap.
• Protects new growth all season.
• Lady beetles unaffected (they don’t feed on sap).