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Stethorus sp.
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. Stethorus spp. are effective predators of mites, particularly spider mites. Adults are up to 1mm long are round and highly convex in shape. They are shiny and usually black in colour, although some species have patterns of orange and black. The larvae are up to 1.5 mm long, characteristically tapered, often with prominent tubercles and are more elongated than adults. Larvae are usually mostly grey or black. 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.
