Twice-Stabbed Cactus Lady Beetle
Chilocorus cacti
Twice-Stabbed Cactus Lady Beetle
Chilocorus cacti
The Twice-Stabbed Cactus Lady Beetle, also known as the Cactus Lady Beetle, is a beneficial predatory species in the family Coccinellidae, the ladybird beetles. Despite its common name, it is not limited to cacti alone — this beetle is widely distributed and is an important natural control agent of agricultural pests, especially on fruit trees, ornamentals, and other plants.
Identification:
Adults are nearly circular in outline, with a smooth, convex dome typical of ladybird beetles. They are shiny jet black, each wing cover (elytron) marked with a single bold red spot — hence the nickname twice-stabbed. This simple yet striking pattern makes the species easy to recognize.
Defenses:
When disturbed, these beetles exude a foul-smelling substance from their hemolymph (blood). This chemical defense deters birds, lizards, and other would-be predators, increasing their survival in exposed habitats.
Ecological role:
As natural predators of soft-bodied plant pests, Twice-Stabbed Lady Beetles play a valuable role in maintaining balance in both wild and cultivated ecosystems. They are often welcomed in gardens, farms, and orchards as a natural alternative to chemical pest control.
Life cycle and habits:
Eggs & larvae: Females lay small clusters of yellow eggs near colonies of prey insects. The larvae, elongate and alligator-like, are voracious feeders and consume aphids, scale insects, and mealybugs.
Adults: Adult beetles are active hunters, feeding on the same prey as the larvae. They often patrol cactus pads, shrubs, and trees where pest populations gather.
Chilocorus cacti
The Twice-Stabbed Cactus Lady Beetle, also known as the Cactus Lady Beetle, is a beneficial predatory species in the family Coccinellidae, the ladybird beetles. Despite its common name, it is not limited to cacti alone — this beetle is widely distributed and is an important natural control agent of agricultural pests, especially on fruit trees, ornamentals, and other plants.
Identification:
Adults are nearly circular in outline, with a smooth, convex dome typical of ladybird beetles. They are shiny jet black, each wing cover (elytron) marked with a single bold red spot — hence the nickname twice-stabbed. This simple yet striking pattern makes the species easy to recognize.
Defenses:
When disturbed, these beetles exude a foul-smelling substance from their hemolymph (blood). This chemical defense deters birds, lizards, and other would-be predators, increasing their survival in exposed habitats.
Ecological role:
As natural predators of soft-bodied plant pests, Twice-Stabbed Lady Beetles play a valuable role in maintaining balance in both wild and cultivated ecosystems. They are often welcomed in gardens, farms, and orchards as a natural alternative to chemical pest control.
Life cycle and habits:
Eggs & larvae: Females lay small clusters of yellow eggs near colonies of prey insects. The larvae, elongate and alligator-like, are voracious feeders and consume aphids, scale insects, and mealybugs.
Adults: Adult beetles are active hunters, feeding on the same prey as the larvae. They often patrol cactus pads, shrubs, and trees where pest populations gather.
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