Photo By Judy Gallagher , used under CC-BY-2.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Polished ladybug
Cycloneda polita
A species of Spotless lady beetles, Also known as Western blood-red lady beetle, Western blood-red ladybird, Western red lady beetle
The polished ladybug (Cycloneda polita) holds true to its name. It is a red-blood color with a black face that makes it pretty recognizable. It also looks like it has a coating of wax, giving it the alternate name of "polished ladybug." Given the single pattern, it can be pretty easy to identify.
General Info About Polished ladybug
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Aphids, scale insects, mite larvae, insect eggs, small larvae
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Polished ladybug is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
The Polished ladybug is often found near the corolla, where its fluffy hairs easily pick up pollen, assisting in the pollination of the plant.
Pest-Eating Predatory
The Polished ladybug preys on common garden pests such as: aphids, whiteflies, thrips, spider mites, etc. It is a popular insect among gardeners.
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Life Cycle of Polished ladybug
Egg After laying, the egg of polished ladybug serves as a protective layer for the developing larva. The size is minute, and the color can vary. This stage is solely for growth as the insect undergoes cell differentiation.
Larva Upon hatching, the larva of polished ladybug emerges. With a voracious appetite, its primary purpose is to consume food and grow. It's elongated, often with distinct markings, going through several molts to increase in size.
Pupal Once fully grown, the larva of polished ladybug enters the pupal stage. Encased within a protective chrysalis, it undergoes a remarkable transformation. Its size remains static, but its form changes entirely inside.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult polished ladybug is recognizable by its hardened exoskeleton and distinct coloration, usually bright or patterned. It is winged, mobile, and focused on reproductive activities.
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Adult Habitat of Polished ladybug
Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Forests and Woodlands, Urban and Suburban Areas, Grasslands and Prairies
Habitat Preferences of Polished ladybug Through Different Life Stages
To seek the various growth stages of polished ladybug, one should search leafy environments where aphids thrive, as eggs are typically deposited nearby these food sources. Larvae, voracious for aphids, are found on the undersides of leaves, while pupae attach to leaf surfaces or stems in sheltered spots. Adults often inhabit gardens, crop fields, or wooded areas where they can find both aphids and pollen, crucial for their sustenance. To increase chances of locating these insects across their developmental stages, exploration should be timed during warmer months when they are most active, focusing on areas abundant in foliage and aphid populations.
Are Polished ladybug harmful?
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Beneficial Effects of Polished ladybug
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Predators of Pests
Predators of Pests
Purpose
Feed Itself
Diets
Aphids, Scale Insects
Polished ladybug is equipped with strong mandibles for grasping and subduing their prey, primarily aphids and scale insects. Their predation is essential for survival and reproduction, ensuring a food source for themselves and their larvae. A little-known fact is that both adults and larvae exhibit voracious predatory behaviors.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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