Steelblue Ladybird vs Australian Owlfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Steelblue Ladybird | Australian Owlfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Halmus chalybeus | Suhpalacsa flavipes |
| Order | Coleoptera | Neuroptera |
| Family | Coccinellidae | Ascalaphidae |
| Size | 3-4 mm | 40-55 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Orchards | Woodlands |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | Australia, New Zealand | Australia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Steelblue Ladybird
A small metallic blue-green ladybird native to Australia. It is an important predator of scale insects on citrus and eucalyptus trees.
Did You Know?
Its iridescent blue coloration is unique among ladybirds and is caused by multilayer cuticle structures.
Australian Owlfly
A large Australian owlfly with smoky wings and yellow legs. Active at dusk in open eucalyptus woodland and dry grassland.
Did You Know?
It is one of the most commonly encountered owlflies at light traps across inland Australia.