Predatory Beetles
Beetles are a very large and diverse insect group. Beetles have two pairs of wings, a rigid often coloured pair of fore wings and a pair of fine hind wings folded beneath.
They are distinct from bugs in that they undergo complete metamorphosis - egg, larval, pupal and adult stages.
Most beetles are predators but some feed on plants, most notably - the 28 spotted ladybird, Dried fruit beetles (Carpophilus) and Monolepta beetles.
Ladybird beetles, various species
Primary Host: aphids, mites, moths eggs and small larvae.
Key identifying characteristics:
Labybird adults are typically small, round to oval and domed shaped with distinctive colourful markings.
A female may lay from 200 to 1,000 eggs over two months. The eggs (right) are spindle shaped and usually deposited in clusters.
Larvae are alligator like with three pairs of prominent legs and can be voracious feeders.
Pupa may be dark or colourfully pattered.
Significance: Ladybird adults and larvae are very common predators and make a significant contribution to pest control.
