Parenthesis Ladybug

I was so delighted on a walk yesterday at Brown-Lowery Provincial Park, when one of the group noticed this very unusual Ladybug. I've only ever been lucky enough once before to see one of this kind. Thanks for finding it, Patsy! The Parenthesis Ladybug(Hippodamia parenthesis) is named after the shape of a particular spot. This particular one is not as yellow as the one I saw before. I still feel extremely tired from this fairly strenuous hike, partly also, I'm sure, because my finger is making me take SO much longer to do everything : )

"There are approximately 35 species of ladybug in Alberta. The Seven-spotted Ladybug was brought in from Europe in the hope that it would help control populations of pests like aphids. It is doubtful that it has made any real difference, but what has happened is some of our native species have suffered a decline in populations since the Seven-spotted was introduced, perhaps because the Seven-spotted outcompetes them." From the Royal Alberta Museum website.