Diet

• Adults and larvae: Predatory, feeding primarily on armoured scale insects (Diaspididae).

• They also consume other scale insects and small soft-bodied insects when available.

• Both life stages are effective predators, although larvae are particularly voracious.

Range

• Native to southern and southeastern Asia, but has been introduced to many tropical and subtropical regions as a biological-control agent.

• Now established in parts of Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, South America, Africa, and the Pacific Islands.

• It can occur in tropical regions of Mexico, including areas of the Pacific coast.

Habitat

• Found in tropical forests, orchards, plantations, agricultural fields, gardens, parks, and urban landscapes.

• Closely associated with trees, shrubs, palms, and other plants supporting scale-insect colonies.

• Adults and larvae remain on infested plants while hunting prey.

Size

• Adult length: approximately 3–5 mm (0.12–0.20 in).

• Body rounded and strongly convex, usually uniformly black or very dark brown, with a smooth, polished appearance.