Halmus chalybeus

This adventive ladybird from Australia was first released in New Zealand in 1899. This specimen seen on the North Island.
The head, prothorax and elytra are shiny dark metallic blue/green.
4 mm length

comments (6)

Flown Kimmerling

Lion

Lovely color! Posted 6 years ago

Flavio

Lion

Nice finding! Posted 3 years ago
1. Ruth Spigelman
  
  Lion
  
  They are very special with that colour and iridescence. I told Niel on his find/post, that in 25 years living here in Australia, I've not seen one of these native ladybirds - a trip a few years back across the water to New Zealand...endless sightings including this one! Posted 3 years ago
2. 1. Flavio
    
    Lion
    
    That's so interesting, are they rare in Australia? Posted 3 years ago
  2. 1. Ruth Spigelman
      
      Lion
      
      Not at all. I notice another Australian, Mark came in on Niel's post and said the same thing as me. Just bad luck. Oh well...keeping our eyes peeled as the saying goes. Posted 3 years ago
    2. 1. Flavio
        
        Lion
        
        Exactly, one lesson I have learned in my short macro photography journey is to enjoy the most of each new specimen sighting, you never know when and if you will find that particular spices again ;-) Posted 3 years ago

The Steelblue Lady Beetle

"Halmus chalybeus", commonly known as the steelblue ladybird, is a species of ladybird native to Australia. It has a rounded appearance with an iridescent blue/green colouration and is a predator of other insects.

Info 10 0

Similar species: Beetles

Species identified by Ruth Spigelman