Black Chilocorus
Chilocorus nigrita
This record describes Chilocorus nigrita (species). Recorded family: Coccinellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
the only medium-sized, non-pubescent, glossy black coccinellid in Florida with a pale head and lateral margins of the pronotum (Featured Creatures) larva yellow or brown with long spines. first collected in Florida in October 2007, in Miami-Dade County. There are now 15 Florida records for this species, 13 from Miami-Dade County and two from Broward County.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Coccinelloidea
- Family
- Coccinellidae (Lady Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Chilocorinae
- Genus
- Chilocorus (Twice-stabbed Lady Beetles)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
s FL - Map (Featured Creatures) , native to e. Asia , but now introduced pan-tropically
Diet and Behavior
Life History
primarily a predator of scale insects (Hemiptera: Coccidae), but also has been reported to feed on whiteflies, aphids and psyllids. (Featured Creatures) a voracious feeder on scale insects, with each beetle capable of destroying 500 or more scales during its development (Omkar and Pervez 2003).
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Chilocorus nigrita (Fabricius 1798)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Chilocorus nigrita. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Coleoptera is the largest order of insects with over 400,000 described species, representing ~25% of all known animal species and ~40% of all insects. In the U.S. alone, nearly 30,000 beetle species have been identified.
Ecological role of the group
Beetles are prominent decomposers, especially in forests, breaking down dead wood and recycling nutrients. As predators, they reduce populations of pest insects. Many species are also important pollinators of flowering plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Beetles have major economic significance: leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) and weevils (Curculionoidea) are among the most destructive agricultural pests globally, costing billions annually, while predatory species like ladybugs provide natural pest control.
Recorded sources for this group: Britannica, Smithsonian, NCSU Entomology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Black Chilocorus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Blaine Mathison; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Chuck Entz , Mike Quinn , v belov , Abigail Parker
Frequently Asked Questions About Black Chilocorus
What is Black Chilocorus?
Black Chilocorus (Chilocorus nigrita) is a species in the family Coccinellidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Black Chilocorus?
3.2-4.0 mm (Featured Creatures)
How do you identify Black Chilocorus?
the only medium-sized, non-pubescent, glossy black coccinellid in Florida with a pale head and lateral margins of the pronotum (Featured Creatures) larva yellow or brown with long spines.
Where is Black Chilocorus found?
Range: s FL - Map (Featured Creatures) , native to e. Asia , but now introduced pan-tropically
What is the life cycle of a Black Chilocorus?
primarily a predator of scale insects (Hemiptera: Coccidae), but also has been reported to feed on whiteflies, aphids and psyllids. (Featured Creatures) a voracious feeder on scale insects, with each beetle capable of destroying 500 or more scales during its development (Omkar and Pervez 2003).