Brumoides

E.A.Chapin, 1965

Species Guides

Brumoides histrio(Lepine Lady Beetle)
Brumoides septentrionis(Winter Lady Beetle)

Brumoides is a of ladybird beetles (Coccinellidae) established by Edward Albert Chapin in 1965. The genus comprises approximately 16 described with a predominantly Old World distribution, though several species occur in the New World. Brumoides species are coccidophagous specialized on mealybugs (Pseudococcidae). The best-studied species, B. foudrasii, has been evaluated for potential against agricultural pests.

Brumoides septentrionis septentrionis by no rights reserved, uploaded by Ellyne Geurts. Used under a CC0 license.

Brumoides by (c) Trevor Van Loon, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Trevor Van Loon. Used under a CC-BY license.

Brumoides histrio 328480117 by Chloe and Trevor Van Loon. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Brumoides: /bruːˈmɔɪdiːz/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

Brumoides can be distinguished from the superficially similar Chilocorus by subtle differences in color pattern and male genitalia . B. foudrasii is specifically differentiated from B. suturalis by these characters. Species within Brumoides exhibit longitudinal striping patterns on the .

Images

Habitat

Associated with plants infested by mealybugs. B. foudrasii has been collected from cotton crops in semiarid regions and from Prosopis caldenia trees in Caldenal forest in Argentina.

Distribution

Predominantly Old World distribution with in Africa, Asia, and Europe. Four New World species including B. foudrasii, which occurs in South America (Brazil, Argentina).

Diet

Coccidophagous feeding on mealybugs (Pseudococcidae). B. foudrasii preys on Ferrisia dasylirii. Laboratory studies demonstrate that lepidopteran (Anagasta kuehniella) can serve as factitious food supporting complete development, though mealybugs support superior reproductive performance.

Host Associations

Ferrisia dasylirii - preystriped mealybug, essential prey for B. foudrasii in cotton crops
Anagasta kuehniella - preyMediterranean flour moth, factitious food for laboratory rearing
Prosopis caldenia - associated plantFabaceae, plant in Caldenal forest, Argentina
Dactylopius opuntiae - preycochineal insect, previously reported association in forage cactus

Life Cycle

Complete with , larva, pre-pupa, pupa, and stages. Sex determination by sternite count: males with 6 visible sternites, females with 5.

Behavior

Predatory on mealybugs in field conditions. Pollen consumption has been observed to inhibit oviposition behavior even when some maturation occurs.

Ecological Role

of mealybugs with potential to regulate of agricultural pests such as Ferrisia dasylirii in cotton crops. Candidate for programs.

Human Relevance

Evaluated as agent for mealybug pests in agriculture. B. foudrasii shows promise for management of Ferrisia dasylirii in cotton production systems.

Similar Taxa

ChilocorusSimilar appearance and coccidophagous habits; distinguished by color pattern and male genitalia
Brumoides suturalisSimilar to B. foudrasii; distinguished by male genitalia and color pattern differences

More Details

Taxonomic history

erected by Chapin in 1965. B. foudrasii first recorded from South America in 2014, previously known only from Europe.

Laboratory biology

B. foudrasii immatures develop faster on lepidopteran (Anagasta kuehniella) than on mealybugs, but is 2.5× higher on mealybug prey. Pollen alone does not support ovary development or oviposition.