Dicranolaius bellulus (Boisduval, 1835), Red and Blue Pollen Beetle

General Description

A small shiny red and metallic blue banded beetle with a dark head. Males have an enlarged third antennal segment used to grasp the female's antennae during mating. Body size up to 0.8 cm.

Biology

Eggs laid in soil; larvae feed on small soil organisms; pupates in soil; emerges in spring. Adults fly about and actively search for prey, feeding on small inverts eggs, slow-moving insects and pollen. Important native predator, beneficial in the cotton industry as they generally prey on or displace pest species. Extremely abundant in a range of habitats in some years and rare in other years. Active throughout the summer.

Distribution

Eastern and southern Australia.

Habitat

Urban areas, bushland and cropping landscapes.