Western Polished Lady Beetle

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Cycloneda polita: //saɪkloʊˈniːdə ˈpɒlɪtə//

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Summary

Cycloneda polita, also known as the western polished lady beetle, is a lady beetle species characterized by its red elytra and black thorax with white markings. It plays an important role in controlling aphid populations in its North American habitats.

Physical Characteristics

Red elytra without spots, black thorax marked with a white rim and crescents.

Identification Tips

Distinguished from C. munda by the richer red color and the pale yellow lateral 'C' or almost complete yellow ring on the pronotum (not a separate yellow 'spot').

Habitat

Found in various habitats across North America, especially in gardens and fields.

Distribution

Primarily distributed along the West Coast of North America, with confirmed records from California, Oregon, Washington, and a few from Utah and Montana. Potential overlap with C. munda in the central and northwestern states.

Diet

Feeds on aphids and other soft-bodied insects.

Life Cycle

Undergoes complete metamorphosis with distinct egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages.

Reproduction

Females lay eggs that hatch into larvae, which then pupate before emerging as adults.

Ecosystem Role

As a predator of aphids, it plays an important role in controlling pest populations in agricultural and garden settings.

Economic Impact

Beneficial for agriculture due to its role in aphid control.

Collecting Methods

• Netting adults from vegetation
• Sampling aphid colonies
• Using pheromone traps

Preservation Methods

• Pinning specimens
• Using ethanol for preservation
• Storing in Dry environments

Similar Taxa

• Cycloneda munda
• Cycloneda sanguinea

Misconceptions

Sometimes confused with similar species due to overlapping habitats, particularly with C. munda.

Tags

• Coccinellidae
• Lady Beetle
• Aphid Predator
• North America