Chilocorus

Leach, 1815

Twice-stabbed Lady Beetles

Species Guides

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Chilocorus is a of ladybird beetles in the Coccinellidae, Chilocorinae. The genus contains over 80 described distributed across multiple continents. Members are primarily forest-dwelling , with Chilocorus stigma (twice-stabbed ladybird beetle) being a well-known North American species. The genus is distinguished from other coccinellid genera by morphological features and ecological preferences.

Chilocorus stigma by (c) Patrick Hanly, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Patrick Hanly. Used under a CC-BY license.Chilocorus bipustulatus by (c) Katja Schulz, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.Chilocorus bipustulatus by (c) Katja Schulz, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Chilocorus: //kaɪˈloʊkɔːrəs//

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Identification

in this can be recognized by their placement in the Chilocorinae, which is characterized by specific morphological traits distinguishing them from other coccinellid subfamilies. Chilocorus stigma specifically has been described as having a black body with two red spots, giving rise to its "twice-stabbed ladybird beetle."

Images

Habitat

Primarily forest , as documented for Chilocorus stigma which has been observed on tree trunks in dry-mesic upland deciduous forest.

Distribution

Widely distributed across multiple continents including North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America. Specific distribution records exist for Denmark, Norway, Sweden, the United States (including Vermont), and numerous other regions based on -level occurrences.

Diet

Predatory, feeding on scale insects and other small arthropods. Chilocorus stigma has been documented as a beneficial in forest .

Ecological Role

Predatory beetles that contribute to of scale insects and other small arthropods in forest . Considered beneficial , though not commercially sold for orchard or farm use.

Human Relevance

Generally considered beneficial due to on pest insects. Not commercially utilized for biocontrol in agricultural settings. Chilocorus stigma specifically noted as a native not to be confused with the introduced Harmonia axyridis (Asian ladybird beetle).

Similar Taxa

  • Harmonia axyridisBoth are ladybird beetles in Coccinellidae, but Chilocorus are native to their respective regions and primarily forest-dwelling, whereas H. axyridis is an introduced species with broader . Chilocorus stigma specifically distinguished from H. axyridis by appearance and habitat preference.

More Details

Species diversity

The contains over 80 described , with Chilocorus stigma, C. bipustulatus (heather ladybird), C. braeti (cactus lady beetle), C. cacti, C. circumdatus (red chilocorus), C. kuwanae (Kuwana's lady beetle), and C. nigritus (black chilocorus) being among those with documented .

Fossil record

Two extinct are known: Chilocorus foersteri and Chilocorus inflatus (both marked with † in species lists), along with Chilocorus ulkei.

Sources and further reading