Harmonia conformis
| Harmonia conformis | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Coleoptera |
| Infraorder: | Cucujiformia |
| Family: | Coccinellidae |
| Genus: | Harmonia |
| Species: | H. conformis
|
| Binomial name | |
| Harmonia conformis (Boisduval, 1835)
| |
Harmonia conformis, the large spotted ladybird,[1] is a species of ladybird (the family Coccinellidae). It has a light reddish appearance and its colouration includes 20 large black spots, 18 of which are found on the elytra (wing covers).[2] They are quite large for ladybirds, being about 6–7 mm long.[2] It is a predator of other insects, eating aphids as both a larva and imago (adult).[2] It is found in Australia, and has been introduced to New Zealand, where it is common in northern regions.[2] Another member of the same genus, Harmonia antipodum, also occurs in New Zealand. This species, however, is a native and is much smaller and harder to find.
Life cycle[edit]
This ladybird has annual cycle where the duration of each life stages is dependent on the temperature of the environment.[3] Their life cycle begins with the deposit of yellow eggs by the female in an area where there are prey readily available for the larvae once they have hatched.[3] As larvae, they proceed through four sub-life stages beginning with a form that is dark in color with prothorax and six legs.[3] The second sub-life stage is when the white external spine (scolus) develops. During the third sub-life stage, the larvae develop more coloration and three pairs of legs.[3] The fourth sub-life stage is the further development of coloration and growth of abdominal segments which help the larvae during molting.[3] Once the larva is fully grown, it attaches itself to a plant to form its pupa.[3]The adults then hatch from this pupa and begin to seek out mates.[3]
References[edit]
- ^ "Harmonia conformis (Boisduval)". www.ento.csiro.au CSIRO. 2005-07-07. Retrieved 2009-04-25.
- ^ a b c d Crowe, A. (2002). Which New Zealand Insect?. Auckland, N.Z.: Penguin. p. 47. ISBN 0-14-100636-6.
- ^ a b c d e f g "Factsheet: Large spotted ladybird - Harmonia conformis". nzacfactsheets.landcareresearch.co.nz. Retrieved 2020-12-16.
External links[edit]
Media related to Harmonia conformis at Wikimedia Commons
Data related to Harmonia conformis at Wikispecies- Common Spotted Ladybird - Harmonia conformis (includes many photos)
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