Insect · GBIF taxon 1043493
Cactus Lady Beetle
Chilocorus cactiAlso known as Twice-Stabbed Cactus Lady Beetle, Cactus Ladybird
Cactus lady beetles feature smooth, shiny black elytra adorned with two bright reddish-orange spots, giving them a distinct twice-stabbed appearance. Both adults and grubs act as voracious predators, patrolling cacti, citrus trees, and ornamental plants to feast on armored scale insects and whiteflies. Their efficiency as natural pest control agents makes them a highly valued beneficial insect across warm, dry landscapes.
Beneficial InsectPredatoryBeetle
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Scale insects
- Mealybugs
- Whiteflies
Predators
- Birds
- Lizards
- Spiders
ThreatsBroad-spectrum pesticide applications
HabitatsDeserts, scrublands, citrus groves, gardens
Life span1–2 months as adult
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyCoccinellidae
- SpeciesChilocorus cacti
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Look on infested plants: Search the stems and leaves of cacti or citrus trees heavy with scale insects.
- Handle gently: Rough handling can cause them to drop or release bitter yellow defensive fluid.
Host Plant no rights reserved, uploaded by Francesco Cecere · cc0
Close Relative (c) Patrick Hanly, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Patrick Hanly · cc-by
Image unavailableClose Relative 
Family Relative (c) Casey H. Richart, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Casey H. Richart · cc-by
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