Vedalia Beetle

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Novius cardinalis: /ˈno.vi.us kar.diˈnaː.lis/

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Summary

Novius cardinalis, commonly known as the vedalia beetle or cardinal ladybird, is a species of ladybird beetle native to Australia. It was introduced to combat the cottony cushion scale in California in the late 1880s and is considered a pioneer in biological pest control.

Physical Characteristics

The adult vedalia beetle is semispherical, measuring 2–4 mm long, covered with dense, short hairs. It has a reddish-purple body with black spots, typically five spots on the elytron. The head, posterior prothorax, and scutellum are black. The larva is approximately 5 mm long, reddish or greyish with black spots, while the pupa is 4–5 mm long and red, darkening with age.

Identification Tips

Look for the semispherical body shape and reddish-purple color with distinct black spots. Adults range in length from 2.6 to 4.2 mm and have short, clubbed antennae composed of eight segments.

Habitat

Commonly found in regions where cottony cushion scale is present, such as citrus orchards.

Distribution

Widespread across all continents except Antarctica, including America (U.S., Central America, Caribbean, South America), Europe (Iberian Peninsula, France, Italy, Balkans, Russia), Asia (Japan, India, Sri Lanka, Philippines, Taiwan, Siberia), Africa (northern Africa, South Africa), and Oceania (Hawaii, Guam).

Diet

Primarily feeds on cottony cushion scale (Icerya purchasi), but also preys on small aphids and mites.

Life Cycle

Can produce 8 generations per year in cooler coastal areas and 12 generations in hotter, drier inland areas. The female lays between 150-190 eggs during her lifetime.

Reproduction

Sexual reproduction, with eggs laid by females. The larval stage develops through several instars before pupating.

Predators

: None specified.

Ecosystem Role

Acts as a biological control agent against pest species, particularly the cottony cushion scale.

Economic Impact

Significantly beneficial in agriculture, particularly in the control of cottony cushion scale, which previously threatened the California citrus industry.

Cultural Significance

Considered the first major success in biological pest control, recognized for saving the California citrus industry in the late 19th century.

Evolution

Formerly classified in the genus Rodolia, now synonymized under Novius as of 2020.

Similar Taxa

• Rodolia koebelei

Misconceptions

Often thought to be the same as other ladybird species without distinguishing features specific to Novius cardinalis.

Tags

• insect
• beetle
• biological control
• pest management
• entomology