Noviini

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Noviini: //ˌnoʊ.viˈaɪ.naɪ//

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Summary

Novius cardinalis, known as the vedalia beetle or cardinal ladybird, is an important biological control agent native to Australia, widely recognized for its role in controlling pest populations such as aphids and cottony cushion scale. It is characterized by its distinctive reddish-purple body with black spots, and has a history of introduction to various countries for agricultural pest management.

Physical Characteristics

The adult has a semispherical body, 2–4 millimetres long, covered with dense, short hairs. It is reddish-purple with localized black spots. It has typically five black spots on the elytron, with two forming a semi-circular shape and three in a more irregular shape. The antennae are short and slightly clubbed, composed of 8 items, and the legs have extended, irregularly flattened tibia that house the tarsus when at rest.

Identification Tips

Look for the reddish-purple body with distinctive black spots. The arrangement of the five spots on the elytron is characteristic, with a half-moon shape in the anterior part and irregular shapes in the posterior region.

Habitat

Novius cardinalis is typically found in environments where its prey, like aphids and cottony cushion scale, are abundant, often in agricultural contexts like citrus orchards.

Distribution

Widespread to all continents except Antarctica: North and Central America, the Caribbean, South America, Europe, Asia, northern and southern Africa, Oceania (including Hawaii and Guam), and native to Australia.

Diet

Predominantly feeds on aphids and small mites, acting as a biological control agent. Active predator of cottony cushion scale Icerya purchasi.

Life Cycle

The larvae are about 5 millimetres long and can be either reddish or greyish with black spots. The pupa is 4–5 millimetres long and is initially red, darkening with age.

Ecosystem Role

Serves as a biological control agent, actively preying on pest species like aphids and cottony cushion scales, contributing to the regulation of pest populations.

Economic Impact

Introduced to various regions as a biological control agent to manage pest species in agriculture, notably in California to protect citrus crops.

Cultural Significance

Recognized as a significant agent of biological control with historical importance in agricultural practices, commemorated in a plaque in Australia.

Evolution

Previously classified under the genus Rodolia before being synonymized under Novius in 2020.

Misconceptions

Some may confuse Novius cardinalis with other ladybird beetles due to the common appearance of other species in the same habitats.

Tags

• ladybird beetle
• biological control
• Novius cardinalis
• insect pest management
• coccinellidae