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Another gorgeous ladybug. Honestly how many species of blue ladybugs are there? And this one I think puts the other 2 species that I mentioned on here to shame. =)Such a gorgeous beetle. Too bad they're not from here. Would love to see one in person.
Wikipedia says:
Halmus chalybeus, commonly known as the steelblue ladybird, is a species of ladybird (the beetle family Coccinellidae). It has an iridescent blue/green coloration and is a predator of other insects.
It was introduced to New Zealand from Australia in 1899 and 1905 to control black scale and blue gum scale (see scale insect) on citrus trees, where it is now common in northern regions. It has also been recorded eating San Jose scale. They are about 3-4 long.
Now remember what happened the last time a species of ladybug was introduced to control something? Hmmmmm? *cough Harmonia axyridis cough*
You just better hope that they're not getting in league with Harmonia axyridis or anything. But since nothing ( apparently ) has happened since 1899-2010 I think we're safe....
Hopefully we are. We have enough problems with H. axyridis we don't need more.
6 comments:
If you have Steely blue ladybirds on your citrus trees you are very lucky. You will not get white fly. I know from experience. Ladybirds are better than any spray.
I had one on my hand the other day
Lovely!!
I just found one of these dead on my kitchen floor. I live in South East Michigan. From everything I have read - this bug shouldn't be here.
They SHOULDN'T be. Do you have pictures?
Just found one on silverbeet Tangimoana nz
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