Red and blue beetle
Red and blue beetle—adult female
© D Ironside, Queensland Government
Red and blue beetle—adult male
© T Grundy, Queensland Government
Red and blue beetle adults are most active in summer crops. They are omnivores, consuming pollen as well as insect prey.
Scientific name
Dicranolaius bellulus
Other names
- Red and blue pollen beetle
Description
Elongated beetle, about 8mm long, with:
- dark head, antennae and legs
- red thorax
- red and dark blue striped abdomen.
Males have enlarged third-antennal segments.
Distribution and habitat
Common in eastern and southern Australia in a range of habitats, occurring in large numbers in some years.
Hosts
Helicoverpa eggs and small larvae, and other small slow-moving insects.
Life cycle and ecology
Immature stages live in the soil for several months and emerge as adults in spring. The beetles actively forage during the day.
Factors that influence effectiveness
Beetle numbers reduce when exposed to:
- rainfall
- very high humidity
- furrow irrigation
- soil cultivation.
Further information
- Impact of insecticides on red and blue beetles and other beneficials—refer to table in Cotton Pest Management Guide, CottonInfo
- Registered chemicals database—Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA)