Kauaʻi record · KCA-IA-00653
Metallic Blue Lady Beetle
Curinus coeruleus
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About Metallic Blue Lady Beetle
Metallic Blue Lady Beetle (Curinus coeruleus) is a member of Coccinellidae in the order Coleoptera. Its recorded origin status on Kauaʻi is introduced — biocontrol.
Metallic Blue Lady Beetle (Curinus coeruleus) is documented from Kauaʻi. Lady beetles undergo complete metamorphosis. Many species and their larvae prey on aphids, scales or mealybugs, while some lineages feed on fungi or plants. On Kauaʻi, observations are most useful when they record prey species, larva/pupa/adult, host plant, abundance and any biocontrol context. Where island-specific host, prey, breeding-site, abundance, or seasonal information is not yet firmly documented, those details should remain tied to direct specimens and field observations rather than inferred from populations elsewhere.
Metallic Blue Lady Beetle (Curinus coeruleus) is an introduced predatory lady beetle documented on Kauaʻi. Adults are metallic blue; larvae are elongated and visually distinct.
Kauaʻi occurrence evidence: A Kauaʻi study found Curinus coeruleus abundant at the National Tropical Botanical Garden feeding at extra-floral nectaries of native Hibiscus brackenridgei.
The cited occurrence evidence does not by itself establish current abundance or population trend on Kauaʻi.
Life cycle
Egg; larva; pupa; adult.
Habitat
Vegetation supporting prey or other food resources.
Food and ecological role
Often soft-bodied insects; exact prey or diet is species-specific.
Reproduction
Eggs are laid near food resources for larvae.
Movement
Adults fly readily among prey patches; larvae walk on vegetation.
Ecosystem role
Predator and biological-control agent for many species.
Threats and impacts
Introduced predators can suppress pests but may also interact with non-target native arthropods.
Monitoring
Record prey species, larva/pupa/adult, host plant, abundance and any biocontrol context.
Names and classification
- Scientific name
- Curinus coeruleus
- Common names
- Metallic Blue Lady Beetle
- Family
- Coccinellidae
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Record type
- species
Kauaʻi occurrence and status
- Kauaʻi occurrence
- Present
- Origin
- Introduced — biocontrol
- Conservation status
- Not assessed
Process and seasonal context
- Seasonal description
- Metallic Blue Lady Beetle (Curinus coeruleus) is a member of Coccinellidae in the order Coleoptera. Its recorded origin status on Kauaʻi is introduced — biocontrol.