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Harmonia testudinaria
Harmonia testudinaria, commonly known as the tortoise-shelled ladybird, is a species of ladybird belonging to the family Coccinellidae. The tortoise shelled-ladybird occurs in Australia, New Guinea, Indonesia and (via introduction) Hawaii.[1][2][3] DescriptionAdult H. testudinaria are beetles about 6 mm long and yellow/light orange with a black net pattern on the elytra.[4][5] There are also two black stripes running across the pronotum.[1] Adults are entirely yellow when they first emerge, developing their black markings later.[1][5] There is some intraspecific variation, with adults from New Guinea generally having elytra mostly of one colour except for a black suture and small black spots at the elytral bases.[2] The larvae are brownish with some creamy markings, while the pupae are orange-yellow.[1][5] HabitatThis species can be found on the leaves and stems of plants.[3][5] DietTortoise-shelled ladybirds feed on aphids and other insects.[5] One of their prey species is the giant willow aphid, Tuberolachnus salignus.[6] Life cycleHarmonia testudinaria begin their life cycle as eggs laid on suitable plants. These hatch into larvae, which moult several times before becoming pupae. After a few days, adults emerge from pupae.[1] References
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