Exochomus metallicus

The combination of small size (3–4.5 mm), metallic green body coloration, and yellow lateral pronotal markings distinguishes Exochomus metallicus from most other North American Coccinellidae. The yellow pronotal pattern is particularly distinctive: it occupies the lateral one-third to five-sixths of the pronotum, leaving the central portion green. This contrasts with many native Exochomus species and other small lady beetles that typically show different color patterns or lack metallic green coloration.

Adults are 3–4.5 mm in length. The body is predominantly metallic green. The lateral one-third to five-sixths of the pronotum is yellow, creating a contrasting color pattern against the green elytra and central pronotum.

Native to Africa. Introduced to North America, with records from California in the United States. The species has established populations in the introduced range.

Introduced to North America, likely as a biological control agent, though specific target pests and efficacy have not been documented in the provided sources.

• Other Exochomus speciesSimilar small size and body shape, but native North American species typically lack the specific combination of metallic green coloration with yellow lateral pronotal markings seen in E. metallicus.
• General small metallic CoccinellidaeMany small lady beetles show metallic coloration, but the distinct yellow lateral pronotal pattern of E. metallicus is not commonly found in other genera.

• introduced species
• biological control candidate
• metallic coloration
• small lady beetle

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• GBIF taxonomy match
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• Oecanthidae | Beetles In The Bush