Diomus terminatus
(Say, 1835)
Firefly Duskyling
Diomus terminatus is a minute to eastern North America, measuring 1.5–2 mm. It has been evaluated for of , particularly Melanaphis sacchari and Sipha flava. Laboratory studies confirm its complete development on aphid , with a time of approximately 12 days from to at 26°C.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Diomus terminatus: /ˈdiː.oʊ.məs tɛr.mɪˈneɪ.təs/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Distinguished from other small by the combination of minute size (1.5–2 mm), coloration with reddish elytral , and dense gold giving a hairy appearance. First differ from later instars in relative size and abundance of specialized setae.
Images
Appearance
, oval-shaped body with a reddish tinge at the portion of the . Covered in gold-colored , giving a slightly hairy appearance. Length 1.5–2 mm.
Habitat
Associated with agroecosystems and supporting . Field-collected specimens have been reared on sugarcane leaves infested with aphids.
Distribution
Eastern North America; recorded from Ontario, Québec, Vermont, and Bermuda.
Diet
of . Laboratory studies confirm consumption of Melanaphis sacchari ( aphid) and Sipha flava ( sugarcane aphid). likely includes additional aphids, , and .
Host Associations
- Melanaphis sacchari - ; laboratory rearing confirmed
- Sipha flava -
Life Cycle
stage lasts 4.5 days. Larval stage averages 6.8 days; pupal stage 4.9 days. Total development from egg hatch to averages 12.1 days at 26°C. First and fourth show dramatic differences in size and abundance of specialized .
Ecological Role
of pests; evaluated as agent in Louisiana systems. consume approximately 30 aphid total (4.7 per day); consume up to 19 aphids per day.
Human Relevance
Investigated for of in agricultural settings. Not known to be a household or garden pest.
Similar Taxa
- Other Diomus speciesSimilar minute size and general body form; requires examination of setal patterns and coloration details for separation
- Other small CoccinellidaeSize overlap with several ; D. terminatus distinguished by reddish elytral and dense gold
More Details
Laboratory biology
longevity averages 26 days when feeding on mixed-age in petri dish conditions.
Taxonomic note
Described by Thomas Say in 1835.
Sources and further reading
- BugGuide
- Wikipedia
- GBIF taxonomy match
- iNaturalist taxon
- NCBI Taxonomy
- MORPHOLOGY AND BIOLOGY OF DIOMUS TERMINATUS (COLEOPTERA: COCCINELLIDAE), A PREDATOR OF SIPHA FLAVA (HOMOPTERA: APHIDAE)
- Life Cycle and Larval Morphology of Diomus Terminatus (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) and its Potential as a Biological Control Agent of Melanaphis Sacchari (Hemiptera: Aphididae)