Minute two spotted ladybird

Most adult and larvae of ladybirds are important beneficial insects in agro-ecosystems. They are important predators of aphids, whiteflies, leafhoppers, thrips, scale insects, helicoverpa eggs and small larvae. Minute two-spotted ladybirds are a native species, approximately 3mm in length. The body is dark green/grey in colour with brown spot on each of the forewings. They are round and highly convex in shape, usually covered in fine hairs. The larvae are up to 3 mm long, characteristically tapered, often with prominent tubercles and are more elongated than adults. Larvae are usually mostly grey or black with orange markings. Ladybird eggs are generally yellow, spindle-shaped and laid standing on end in groups. Pupae are globular and similar size to adults, but attach themselves to the plant at their posterior end.