Spotless Lady Beetles
Cycloneda
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Coleoptera
- Suborder: Polyphaga
- Superfamily: Coccinelloidea
- Family: Coccinellidae
- Subfamily: Coccinellinae
- Genus: Cycloneda
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Cycloneda: /sɪkloʊˈnɛdə/
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Summary
Cycloneda sanguinea, known as the spotless lady beetle, is a widespread and common predator of aphids. It features distinct coloration and markings aiding in identification and exhibits unique adaptations like the 'gin trap' in its pupae that serve defensive functions. Its role in biological control is significant but can be affected by the presence of other competing species.
Physical Characteristics
Cycloneda sanguinea is a large ladybird beetle with red, unspotted elytra (wing covers) ranging from 4-6.5 mm long. The color ranges from orange to deep red. Distinctive white and black markings on the head and pronotum, gender-specific with females having a black center on the white spots and males having a white face.
Identification Tips
Eggs are orange or yellow, about 1 mm in diameter. Larvae are black with yellow markings, up to 6 mm long. Pronotum distinguishes species: C. sanguinea has a pale yellow lateral spot, while C. munda has light yellow-brown legs, and C. polita has dark legs.
Habitat
Typically found in plant-dense landscapes ranging from the southern United States to Argentina, and eastward to the Cayman Islands.
Distribution
Cycloneda sanguinea occurs across the southern US, from California to Florida and up the east coast to Virginia. Most widespread in Latin America.
Diet
Primarily feeds on aphids but can also occur on a variety of other plants.
Life Cycle
Eggs are laid and hatch into larvae, which are larger and display black and yellow colors. The pupae are pale, later turning brown or orange, and can defend themselves using a mechanism known as a 'gin trap'.
Ecosystem Role
Acts as a natural biological control agent by preying on aphids that damage crops and other plants.
Economic Impact
Promising candidate for use in natural biological control; however, its effectiveness can be diminished by toxicity of certain aphids.
Evolution
Related to other ladybird beetles; shares habitats with species like Cycloneda galapagensis on the Galápagos Islands.
Misconceptions
Some believe all ladybeetles are beneficial; however, some may have negative effects on other ladybeetles, such as the introduction of Harmonia axyridis impacting C. sanguinea populations.
Tags
- ladybug
- biological control
- Cycloneda
- Coccinellidae
- pest control