Species of beetle
Stethopachys formosa, the orchid beetle or dendrobium beetle, is an Australian insect found in northern New South Wales, Northern Territory and Queensland.[2] They cannot survive in colder climates, and they do not appear in Southern states.[3] This insect feeds on the flowers and leaves of orchids, often causing damage to cultivated plants.[4]
Appearance
Dendrobium beetles are bright orange with large black spots on their wing covers.[2] They have long black antenna, and wings hidden behind the patterned wing covers.[2] The adult dendrobium beetle grows to approximately 12mm (0.5 inches).[2]
Damage to Dendrobium orchids
The adult dendrobium beetle feeds on the Dendrobium plant, especially the leaves, buds, flowers, and seed pods.[2] The adult beetle will also lay eggs on the leaves, buds, flowers, and seed pods of the plant.[2] Once the beetle larvae has hatched, it will proceed to eat through the leaves and stems of the orchid plant.[2]
References
.jpg){kind=small}