Chilocorus orbus

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Suborder: Polyphaga
Superfamily: Coccinelloidea
Family: Coccinellidae
Subfamily: Chilocorinae
Genus: Chilocorus
Species: orbus

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Chilocorus orbus: //kɪˈloʊkərəs ˈɔːrbəs//

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Summary

Chilocorus orbus, commonly known as the twice-stabbed lady beetle, is an arboreal lady beetle species that plays an important role in controlling pest scale insect populations in North American forests and orchards.

Physical Characteristics

Black, dome-shaped beetle, 3 to 5 mm long. Shiny black elytra with two large red spots located nearer the head compared to similar species. Ventral surface is reddish. Larvae resemble miniature alligators, with elongated bodies, long legs, and are grey or blackish. Pupae are blackish, spiny, broader and shorter than larvae.

Identification Tips

Look for the distinctive dome shape and the two oval red patches on a black background, which are positioned nearer to the head than in similar species.

Habitat

Predominantly found in forests, plantations, orchards, and gardens, especially where scale insects are present.

Distribution

Native to North America, especially the western states of Washington, Oregon, and California.

Diet

Both adults and larvae feed on scale insects, including brown soft scale (Coccus hesperidum), walnut scale (Quadraspidiotus juglansregiae), and California red scale (Aonidiella aurantii).

Life Cycle

Life cycle includes stages of egg, larvae, pupae, and adult, with larvae known to puncture and suck juices from scale insects, and adults chewing them up.

Ecosystem Role

As a predator of scale insects, it plays a role in controlling pest populations on fruit and ornamental trees.