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about a half inch long, reddish-orange with black spots, white, spiny protrusions on (perceived) bottom
deep forest, near creek
never seen anything like it
I have seen more "real" lady bugs this year (the most since I was a child.) We usually see tons of the invasive Asian version. I hope that is a good sign!
No problem. I would say Harmonia axyridis, Harlequin Ladybug, for the ID, but you cannot be exact with pupae. Thanks for posting!