Vedalia Beetle vs Western Ameletid Mayfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Vedalia Beetle Western Ameletid Mayfly
Scientific Name Novius cardinalis Ameletus cooki
Order Coleoptera Ephemeroptera
Family Coccinellidae Ameletidae
Size 3-4 mm 8-12 mm
Habitat Orchards Mountains
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Australia, Worldwide (introduced) North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Vedalia Beetle

A small red-and-black ladybird famous as the first successful biological control agent in history. It saved the California citrus industry from the cottony cushion scale in 1889.

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Did You Know?

Its introduction to California is considered the founding event of modern biological pest control.

Western Ameletid Mayfly

A streamlined mayfly found in cold mountain streams of the Pacific Northwest. Nymphs are agile swimmers that dart between cobbles in riffles.

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Did You Know?

Nymphs are strong enough swimmers to move upstream against moderate currents.