Twice-stabbed Lady Beetle

Chilocorus stigma

Classification

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

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Chilocorus stigma: //kaɪloʊˈkoʊrəs ˈstɪɡmə//

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

Images

Chilocorus stigma by Jacy Lucier. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Twice-stabbed Lady Beetle (30692871231) by Katja Schulz from Washington, D. C., USA. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Twice-stabbed Lady Beetle - Chilocorus stigma, Meadowood Farm SRMA, Mason Neck, Virginia (38683856212) by Judy Gallagher. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

010 366 - Twice-stabbed Lady Beetle - Chilocorus stigma, Mason Neck, Virginia, January 10, 2024 (53456504166) by Judy Gallagher. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Twice-stabbed Lady Beetle (30480390700) by Katja Schulz from Washington, D. C., USA. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Twice-stabbed Lady Beetle (30692873381) by Katja Schulz from Washington, D. C., USA. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Summary

Chilocorus stigma, or the twice-stabbed lady beetle, is a beneficial insect native to the U.S. and Canada that primarily preys on harmful pests like aphids and scales. It has varying lifecycles depending on its geographic location and is known for its distinctive black and red coloration. It plays an important role in natural pest control but faces threats from pesticide use.

Physical Characteristics

Shiny black body with one red spot on each elytron; abdomen yellow or red; size ranges from 3.75 to 5.0 mm.

Identification Tips

Dorsal spots are nearly uniformly small and it can be confused with Chilocorus orbus, which is more widespread in California.

Habitat

Terrestrial/arboreal habitats, primarily on vegetation and tree trunks infested with pests.

Distribution

Most of North America except the west coast; found from Nova Scotia to Florida and from Alberta to Arizona; introduced to Hawaii.

Diet

Feeds primarily on aphids, scales, and mealybugs.

Life Cycle

Completes typically two lifecycles a year in Canada and the northern United States, potentially several in southern regions. Overwinters in ground litter.

Ecosystem Role

Beneficial insect useful in controlling pest populations in natural and commercial forests.

Economic Impact

Currently not sold for commercial use in orchards or farms, but serves as a natural pest control agent.

Health Concerns

Susceptible to insecticides which can diminish populations in the wild.

Evolution

Chromosome variation observed, including aneuploidy and chromosomal polymorphism due to fusions and disassociations.

Similar Taxa

Chilocorus orbus

Misconceptions

Sometimes confused with the two-stabbed lady beetle, Chilocorus orbus.