Red Flat Bark Beetle

This guy showed up on my steps this week and that bright color caught my eye right away.    It's a Red Flat Bark Beetle - Cucujus clavipes

Turns out they are a species with extreme freezing tolerance.   Which explains why it's one of the few bugs we've seen this spring. 

Except for the flies.   And those horrible Asian ladybugs.  Both of which will survive the next global apocalypse, I'm sure. 

Anyway, this red guy survives the cold by utilizing a series of antifreeze proteins in its body.   Cool! 

or rather....Cold!

Twelve Spotted Lady Beetle

First of all, click the pic to blow it up.   This is one cute bug. 

Her first name is hilarious:  Coleomegilla maculata.  It always reminds me of gorillas - you know.. Magilla Gorilla.    Right?  Which is funny.   Because it's a tiny little bug.   Right?   Gorillas...bugs...

You're not laughing.

Whatever.   ....    Anyway.

These guys eat lots of bad bugs and bad bug eggs, so you want them in your garden.