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Cleobora mellyi (Peltoschema model) This attractive beetle is one of the largest species of coccinellidae.  They have clubbed antennae, non striate elytra which have explanate lateral margins, which easily distinguishes them from their mimics.  The ladybird beetle is the model for several mimetic beetles which trade on the benefit of predators learning that ladybird beetles taste very bad.  (I did not test this theory for myself.)  Australia,Cleobora mellyi,Geotagged,Summer,Tasmanian ladybird Click/tap to enlarge

Cleobora mellyi (Peltoschema model)

This attractive beetle is one of the largest species of coccinellidae. They have clubbed antennae, non striate elytra which have explanate lateral margins, which easily distinguishes them from their mimics. The ladybird beetle is the model for several mimetic beetles which trade on the benefit of predators learning that ladybird beetles taste very bad. (I did not test this theory for myself.)

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The Tasmanian Ladybird or Southern Ladybird (Cleobora mellyi), is a ladybird species endemic to Tasmania and also found in the southern states of mainland Australia.

C. mellyi was introduced to New Zealand as a biological control agent, with mixed results.

Similar species: Beetles
Species identified by Martin Lagerwey
View Martin Lagerwey's profile

By Martin Lagerwey

All rights reserved
Uploaded May 2, 2016. Captured Jan 10, 2016 08:20 in 40 Great Alpine Rd, Hotham Heights VIC, Australia.
  • Canon EOS 600D
  • f/16.0
  • 1/197s
  • ISO200
  • 65mm