Harmonia conformis | |
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Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Arthropoda |
Class: | Insecta |
Order: | Coleoptera |
Infraorder: | Cucujiformia |
Family: | Coccinellidae |
Genus: | Harmonia |
Species: | H. conformis
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Binomial name | |
Harmonia conformis (Boisduval, 1835)
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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.
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]