Here is another photo of the little monster's friend.

those photos I posted aren't so clear, so here's a better one

Am I misidentifying this?

Ladybugs won't eat your pepper pods. You have something else munching away on those.

Agreed.

Looks rather large for a lady beetle. There are many "pests" that resemble ladybugs. But to the trained eye, can be identified. If you don't get an answer here, try the pests and diseases forum. See if you can get a better pic also.

Kevin

Not Ladybug damage.
Grasshoppers and other critters do that.

Looks like a variety of leaf beetle, they would cause damage like that.

Mark

Ladybugs/beetles have spindly little legs, the second picture does not look like classic ladybug legs and underside. They also have a certain "face", but that's tough to see from the pics. I'd wager you have an imposter.