This lady beetle is “helmet”-shaped, it is a rusty-orange with a black line around the base of its wing covers (elytra).
The larvae are yellow with dark ‘spiny’ filaments all over their body. They could be easily confused with the larvae of the 26 spotted lady beetle, but will be found where scale are present.
Adult size: 5 mm
Out and about
Originally from Asian regions including India, Indonesia and China, it was introduced into Australia. It is now bred up for biological control in citrus orchards.
Reproduction and Life cycle
The females lay eggs underneath the scale. The larvae feed on the scale and nymphs after hatching. It takes about 1 month from egg to adult. The adults live for roughly 2 months.
To deter
To control
Plants to repel
Plants to attract
Predators
Why they are Beneficial
The adults and larvae feed on a range of hard-shelled scale.
