A Mysterious New Friend

I found this little guy yesterday basking in the sun atop some wire on my Ponderosa. I scoured the tree and didn't see any others. However, I live on the 12th floor, so there's no way he just climbed from some nearby tree or shrub. Anyone have any ID or precautions?

I think that is a lady bug in one of the larva stages. I'm not certain, though.
Todd

Lady beetle larva are longer and narrower than that and have distinctive legs on the upper part of the body.

This looks like the larva of the Mexican Bean Beetle (which eats more than beans). I suppose it could have arrived on some produce.

Many beetles fly, but I don't think they'd fly up 12 floors.

I assume you flicked it off the balcony.