Six-spotted Zigzag Ladybug
Cheilomenes Sexmaculata
Six-spotted Zigzag Ladybug
Cheilomenes Sexmaculata
Cheilomenes sexmaculata is a small ladybug beetle, measuring 3-4 mm in length, with a broad oval to subrounded body. It is known as the Six-spotted Zigzag Ladybug, though this name is misleading because its coloration and spot patterns vary significantly across different phenotypes, which range from light yellow to dark. These variations are influenced by genetics and can include forms with fewer than six spots or no zigzag lines.
They have been introduced into the Caribbean islands as a biocontrol agent and well known as a predator of aphids and other small insects. In addition to them, it feeds on a wide prey range including, scale insects, and diaspids. This species is about 3 to 4 mm in body length.
The body is broadly oval to subrounded and moderately convex. The color varies widely from yellow to canary yellow, orange, red, or pink, with dark markings on the elytra and pronotum.
While the common name suggests a specific pattern, the markings can be highly variable, including two zigzag lines and six spots, a single sutural stripe, or almost entirely black forms. The pronotal marking is often constant, even in darker forms.
Beneficial: It is considered a beneficial insect for biological pest control in agricultural settings.
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Family: Coccinellidae
Genus: Cheilomenes
Species: C. sexmaculata
Binomial name: Cheilomenes sexmaculata
Found in an open field on Coral Vine
Cheilomenes Sexmaculata
Cheilomenes sexmaculata is a small ladybug beetle, measuring 3-4 mm in length, with a broad oval to subrounded body. It is known as the Six-spotted Zigzag Ladybug, though this name is misleading because its coloration and spot patterns vary significantly across different phenotypes, which range from light yellow to dark. These variations are influenced by genetics and can include forms with fewer than six spots or no zigzag lines.
They have been introduced into the Caribbean islands as a biocontrol agent and well known as a predator of aphids and other small insects. In addition to them, it feeds on a wide prey range including, scale insects, and diaspids. This species is about 3 to 4 mm in body length.
The body is broadly oval to subrounded and moderately convex. The color varies widely from yellow to canary yellow, orange, red, or pink, with dark markings on the elytra and pronotum.
While the common name suggests a specific pattern, the markings can be highly variable, including two zigzag lines and six spots, a single sutural stripe, or almost entirely black forms. The pronotal marking is often constant, even in darker forms.
Beneficial: It is considered a beneficial insect for biological pest control in agricultural settings.
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Family: Coccinellidae
Genus: Cheilomenes
Species: C. sexmaculata
Binomial name: Cheilomenes sexmaculata
Found in an open field on Coral Vine
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