Well, it's not the best image to go by, but I'm going to GUESS that it might be Bagrada hilaris, a new (to this country) invader that first showed up in California, I believe.

It is closely related to the Harlequin bug and all of the other shield bugs.

Check the attached Google images page for comparison and let us know.

Here is a link that might be useful: Painted Shield bug

I think that might be it! I will try and take a better picture tonight just to make sure. I took like 8 photos but I only had my camera phone and that was the best image I could get. I'll come prepared with an actual camera tonight. Thank you so much!

I'm pretty sure that's it, too. They can be found all kinds of plants, but apparently favor those in the Brassicaceae family (cabbage, broccoli, etc.)

Here is one more picture for your id'ing pleasure :) I sprayed some Neem yesterday at the recommendation of my local garden supply store - they didn't know what the bug was but said Neem kills most everything.

No, neem does NOT kill almost everything. It has very little effect on insects that do not actually feed on plant tissues or juices. It works as an anti-feedant as well as a growth regulator.

Check here
http://cisr.ucr.edu/bagrada_bug.html

Here is a link that might be useful: bagrada bug

Thanks guys for helping with the ID - I will research alternative methods for getting rid of them. I guess the garden supply store is only slightly more helpful than Home Depot which is not at all helpful LOL

I'm not saying that neem isn't a good tool for you to use....I was simply trying to clarify the description used. Neem will probably help prevent continuous feeding and reproduction of these pests, but don't expect them to drop dead in an instant. Neem doesn't work like that.

I've had bagrada bugs also, and did kill them with castille soap, but the baby tree kale plants also died. Not sure if it was because of the castille soap, or if the bagrada bugs had already done too much damage.

So rhizo, when you said it will help control those that feed on plant juices, and bagrada bugs do seem to feed on the plant juices (I think), and suck them dry, then the neem oil might help? I'm looking to plant some kale and brocolli now, so trying to understand how to help keep them good before the bagrada bugs strike again with them.

Homemade elixers have caused countless incidents of plant damage, so that's certainly a consideration.

Neem oil could be used as an anti-feedant and growth regulator. I use 'Surround' kaolin clay spray to protect my garden plants from sucking and chewing insects; it's very effective.