These are large, pubescent (hairy) beetles. Adults and larvae of all species are are phytophagous (eat plants) and many are pests of cultivated crops. The larvae of this subfamily can be distinguished from those of the other subfamilies by the long, branched spines on the dorsal ad lateral surfaces. In late summer large numbers of adults migrate and congregate on high places such as hill-tops.

Some Epilachninae species

Henosepilachna bifasciata, Cucurbit Ladybird, 8mm. [image by M. Picker & C. Griffiths ©, from Field Guide to Insects of South Africa, used with permission].	Epilachna paykulli, Nightshade Ladybird, 6mm. [image by M. Picker & C. Griffiths ©, from Field Guide to Insects of South Africa, used with permission].
Epilachna dregei, mating pair. [image by A. Weaving ©, from Field Guide to Insects of South Africa, used with permission].	Epilachna undulata (See developmental stages). [image by H. Robertson, ©, Iziko].

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