What kind of an insect is this?

Question

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3243/2702385056_43968ef4c8.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3095/2701573115_5f13335316.jpg?v=0

I live in southern Minnesota, USA.

Answer 1

This appears to be a 'Grapevine Beetle', Pelidnota punctata.  

The beetles don't do major harm to leaves of trees and plants, but the grubs (larvae of the species) live in the soil and could possibly damage roots of said plants.  Unless you have a severe infestation and notice tender plants, such as vegetable gardens, becoming damaged, I would assume it to be a fairly harmless resident of your yard.

You can read some here  http://www.cirrusimage.com/beetle_grapev... or do another search for more info.

Answer 2

They started swarming Mo. about 7 years ago...covering the sides of homes..people thought they were lady bugs..BUT they are not...they are some new breed of a beetle....and they will sting you, unlike a lady bug....

Answer 3

Mary---you are thinking of the Asian Multi-colored Lady Bug.  They actually are lady bugs and probably a better lady bug than our native ones as far as pest control goes.  They don't sting, but they do bite.

Answer 4

looks lik some sort of beetle

Answer 5

Dylan the picture is a Asian beetle. See web link below.

http://community-2.webtv.net/bugeric/Bug...

Answer 6

Grape Pelidnota , ithttp://www.entomology.cornell.edu/Extens...