Lady beetles (Coccinellidae)


There are 64 genera and 364 species of Coccinellidae described from Australia (Australian Faunal Directory, 2025)

A guide to the beetles of Australia by G. Hangay & P. Zborowski (CSIRO Publishing, 2010) lists the family's characteristics:

  • body broadly ovate, highly convex, usually glabrous but some finely pubescent, 1-7 mm in length
  • yellow to black, often bicoloured or spotted, some with metallic shine
  • head deflexed, concealed from above by prothorax
  • antennae short, usually 11-segmented, including a 3-segmented club
  • tarsal formula [number of tarsal segments on front, middle and hind legs] 4-4-4, but appears to be 3-3-3 as the third segment is minute and hidden

Adults and larvae of most species are predators of aphids, mealybugs, scales or other small insects and mites. Exceptions are Epilachna species, which are herbivorous on Cucurbitaceae and Solanaceae, and Illeis galbula which feeds on powdery mildews (Australian beetles, Vol. 1, eds. J.F. Lawrence & A. Slipinski, CSIRO Publishing, 2013)


Lady beetles (Coccinellidae)

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Discussion

DiBickers wrote:
Yesterday
These markings indicate Cleobora mellyi

Cleobora mellyi
DiBickers wrote:
Yesterday
These markings indicate Coelophora inaequalis

Coelophora inaequalis
DiBickers wrote:
Yesterday
Number & placement of yellow bands indicate Harmonia conformis

Harmonia conformis
DiBickers wrote:
23 Apr 2025
@MichaelMulvaney always happy to share info😊

Harmonia conformis
23 Apr 2025
Thanks Di - I didn't know that

Harmonia conformis
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