Kuwana's Lady Beetle
Chilocorus kuwanae
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Coleoptera
- Suborder: Polyphaga
- Superfamily: Coccinelloidea
- Family: Coccinellidae
- Subfamily: Chilocorinae
- Genus: Chilocorus
- Species: kuwanae
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Chilocorus kuwanae: //ˌkaɪloʊˈkɔːrəs kuˈwɑːnae//
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Summary
Chilocorus kuwanae, known as Kuwana's lady beetle, is a lady beetle species in the family Coccinellidae, introduced to North America for biological pest control. It is identified by its unique characteristics and life cycle focusing on scale insects, and has established a presence across the continent since its introduction.
Physical Characteristics
Length 3.0 to 4.75 mm, width 2.90 to 4.50 mm.
Identification Tips
Distinguished from similar native 'black with two red spots' Chilocorus species by three key differences.
Habitat
Arboreal, found in trees where scale insects are present.
Distribution
Introduced throughout North America, originally native to Europe, Northern Asia (excluding China), and Southern Asia.
Diet
Feeds primarily on scale insects, particularly armored scales.
Life Cycle
Eggs are laid singly under the hard 'shell' of a scale insect; larvae feed under the scales and develop long, protective spines as they mature. Pupation occurs inside the last larval 'skin' with adults emerging about a week later.
Reproduction
Eggs are laid under scale insects to protect them and provide food for larvae.
Ecosystem Role
Beneficial insect for biological pest control, targeting scale insects.
Evolution
Originally introduced from Japan and Korea; established in California and has spread throughout North America.
Tags
- Chilocorus
- Coccinellidae
- lady beetle
- biological pest control