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One of
the ladybug beetles (a.k.a. ladybird beetles, lady
beetles) in our area is the blood-red ladybug. Like many other
species of ladybugs, it was brought to California to help control
imported pests. The key marks are
the white markings on the prothorax, in front of the wing
covers.
Here is
a different view of the same ladybug, looking for aphids on a hibiscus
leaf.
The
above beetle probably laid these clusters of eggs on the underside of a
mint leaf.
This is
the puparium of the blood-red ladybug. It is formed from the skin
of the nymph stage, the pupa is metamorphosing inside.
This is
the adult beetle shortly after it emerged from its puparium. The
remains of the puparium are on the other side of the twig.