Lady beetles (Coccinellidae)

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There are 64 genera and 364 species of Coccinellidae described from Australia (Australian Faunal Directory, 2025)

A guide to the beetles of Australia by G. Hangay & P. Zborowski (CSIRO Publishing, 2010) lists the family's characteristics:

body broadly ovate, highly convex, usually glabrous but some finely pubescent, 1-7 mm in length
yellow to black, often bicoloured or spotted, some with metallic shine
head deflexed, concealed from above by prothorax
antennae short, usually 11-segmented, including a 3-segmented club
tarsal formula [number of tarsal segments on front, middle and hind legs] 4-4-4, but appears to be 3-3-3 as the third segment is minute and hidden

Adults and larvae of most species are predators of aphids, mealybugs, scales or other small insects and mites. Exceptions are Epilachna species, which are herbivorous on Cucurbitaceae and Solanaceae, and Illeis galbula which feeds on powdery mildews (Australian beetles, Vol. 1, eds. J.F. Lawrence & A. Slipinski, CSIRO Publishing, 2013)

Lady beetles (Coccinellidae)

Featured sightings

Illeis galbula (Fungus-eating Ladybird) at Melba, ACT - 11 Jan 2025 by kasiaaus

Epilachna sumbana (A Leaf-eating Ladybird) at QPRC LGA - 27 Feb 2024 by arjay

Harmonia conformis (Common Spotted Ladybird) at Nambucca Heads, NSW - 27 Nov 2022 by trevorpreston

Harmonia conformis (Common Spotted Ladybird) at Belconnen, ACT - 26 May 2022 by JohnBundock

Illeis galbula (Fungus-eating Ladybird) at Evatt, ACT - 26 May 2022 by TimL

Coccinellidae (family) (Unidentified lady beetle) at Tathra, NSW - 29 Nov 2016 by SteveMills

Latest sightings

Harmonia conformis (Common Spotted Ladybird) at Higgins, ACT - 17 Aug 2025 by AlisonMilton

Harmonia conformis (Common Spotted Ladybird) at Mawson, ACT - 14 Aug 2025 by Mike

Harmonia conformis (Common Spotted Ladybird) at Russell, ACT - 12 Aug 2025 by Hejor1

Hippodamia variegata (Spotted Amber Ladybird) by Liam.m

Unverified Lady beetle (Coccinellidae) at Yarralumla, ACT - 6 Aug 2025 by NateKingsford

Harmonia conformis (Common Spotted Ladybird) at Scullin, ACT - 31 Jul 2025 by AlisonMilton

Australoneda bourgeoisi at Nimbin, NSW - 31 Jul 2025 by AndyH

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Discussion

AlisonMilton wrote:

1 Aug 2025

@AndyH I think you might find quite a few of us are older persons. :-)

Australoneda bourgeoisi

AndyH wrote:

1 Aug 2025

Thanks Alison. I think I got it right this time. As an older person Im somewhat challenged by the digital world.

Australoneda bourgeoisi

AlisonMilton wrote:

1 Aug 2025

@AndyH Hi Andy, I can do that. Do you want to give me a more accurate location. Doesn't have to be your actual house if you prefer not but just the street. I see you are a new member so may not know the ins and outs of the system. You can edit you own sightings also. Click on the Edit button at top right. Then above the Map there are two tabs. Click on the Enter manually and you can add a street address to correct the location.
Thanks

Australoneda bourgeoisi

AndyH wrote:

1 Aug 2025

Hi Alison, You seem to be a moderator for this site, any chance you could change the location attached to this sighting from Wellingrove to Nimbin. I messed up the geo location function and would like the stated location to reflect where the ladybeetle was actually seen.

Australoneda bourgeoisi

AlisonMilton wrote:

31 Jul 2025

@AndyH Hi Andy, When I looked at the sighting there was no photo visible. This happens sometimes that the photos don't fully upload. Not sure why I couldn't see the photo earlier but can see it now. Beautiful lady beetle. One I haven't seen before. By the way, Wellington NSW is inland on the Newel Highway a bit south of Dubbo.

Australoneda bourgeoisi