The Steelblue Ladybird is like the modified tuner car cousin of the ladybug family. These sleek, metallic beetles (not the car) are very unique and I’m happy to help you tend to them.
Though they require very specific care and a few specialized supplies, it is easy to learn how to care for them properly.
Keep reading this Halmus chalybeus guide to learn all about the Steelblue lowriders and how to make them feel right at home!
| Characteristics: | |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Steelblue Ladybird |
| Family Name | Coccinellidae |
| Scientific Name | Halmus chalybeus |
| Use | Pest Control, Pets |
| Temperament | Non-aggressive |
| Lifespan | 1 to 2 Years |
| Diet | Omnivorous |
| Adult Size | 3-4mm |
| Breeding Type | Egg Layer |
| Care Level | Easy |
| Minimum Tank Size | 5 Gallon |
| pH | 6.0-7.0 |
| Hardness | Moderate |
| Temperature | 72-80°F |
What Are Steelblue Ladybirds?
Steelblue Ladybirds, scientifically known as Halmus chalybeus, is a type of lady beetle from the Coccinellidae family.
They are commonly known as “Steelblue Ladybirds” due to the glossy metallic coloring on their wing covers which range from powder blue to dark brown.
In the wild, Steelblue Ladybirds can be found across Australia as well as New Zealand.
It is believed that their bright coloring serves as a warning sign of their bitter taste to potential predators.
With proper care, these fascinating beetles can make an interesting and enjoyable pet for any enclosure or garden.
Create the perfect home for your beetle with our Customizable Beetle Enclosure Kits, designed to meet all their habitat needs.
What Do Steelblue Ladybirds Look Like?
Halmus chalybeus has a distinctive steel blue coloration with black spots on its back.
The Steelblue Ladybird is typically around 3-4 mm in length.
It has a multifaceted eye, six legs, and a set of strong mandibles, which it uses to feed.
Its large wing covers are a glossy, dark color and they almost appear to sparkle in the light.
Benefits Of Using Steelblue Ladybirds
Adding Halmus chalybeus to a vivarium is an interesting and unique way to add color and life to the display.
They are small and active, making them ideal for tanks with limited space.
Not only do Steelblue Ladybirds brighten up many types of vivariums, but they also interact with the environment.
These beetles will help to maintain the humidity and temperature of the habitat as well as break down waste, keeping the tank clean.
With the right supplies and care, these fascinating little beetles can make a great addition to any enclosure.
Steelblue Ladybird Facts
Steelblue Ladybirds are active, colorful beetles that can make great low-maintenance pets.
They are omnivorous and feed on a variety of flowers and fruits as well as small insects.
Halmus chalybeus are generally easy to handle and generally have a lifespan of a year or more.
Breeding is challenging and typically requires the right humidity and temperature conditions, though they are naturally solitary.
Habitat
The Steelblue Ladybird is native to Australia with it later being introduced to New Zealand and eventually Southern California.
They prefer wet, grassy areas as their natural habitat, such as lush meadows and marshlands.
In the wild, they can sometimes be found in huge groups, and are often quick to fly away when disturbed.
Our Bioactive Beetle Substrate Blend is specially formulated to meet the needs of various beetle species, providing an optimal balance of moisture and nutrients.
Diet
In their native habitat, Halmus chalybeus feed on small insects and aphids.
Their diet consists mainly of soft-bodied insects, such as larvae, caterpillars, mites, and aphids.
They also feed on softer fruits and vegetables, such as apples and cucumbers, as well as decaying plant matter and fungi.
They usually stay near their food source, so it’s vital to keep a variety of foods available to them.
Temperament
Steelblue Ladybirds are generally peaceful and solitary by nature, though they can form small colonies of up to a dozen beetles if given ample space.
They are friendly towards humans and other animals, as long as they are handled gently.
H. chalybeus loves to explore their environment and can make good pets if given lots of stimulation.
They prefer plenty of hideouts and places to rest.
When startled or threatened, they will usually curl up and play dead.
They are prone to startle easily, so slow and gentle movements should be used when handling your beetle.
These blue beetles are also very social creatures and enjoy interacting with both their human caretakers and other animals.
They are not usually aggressive, and will seldom bite unless provoked.
When offered food or treats, they are very eager to accept them.
Lifespan
Steelblue Ladybirds have an average lifespan of 1-2 years, however, they can live longer with proper care.
They reach reproductive maturity when they are between 2 and 3 months old and at this stage, they begin the adult phase of their life cycle.
The breeding season typically lasts from June to September, during which time the female Halmus chalybeus will lay batches of up to 600 eggs that hatch within 3-10 days.
The larvae will then go through several molting stages before forming a hard, protective outer shell, at which point they become adult beetles.
Breeding
Steelblue Ladybirds can begin the mating process as soon as they reach four weeks old.
Males generally seek out females to mate with and are more likely to be successful if they are higher on the dominance hierarchy.
Males will also lay a specialized ‘mating plug’ in the female that blocks other males from copulating with her.
The mating ritual can last from one to several hours.
The resulting eggs are laid in large clumps, usually hidden in dark and moist places.
Where To Find Steelblue Ladybirds
Steelblue Ladybirds can be found in the wild in the United States, east of the Rocky Mountains.
They prefer areas with trees, bushes, and other dense vegetation, as they provide shelter for them to hide and hunt.
Halmus chalybeus can be found on leaves and flowers, where they hunt small insects and other food sources.
If you’re interested in bringing one home as a pet, you can purchase them from specialized pet stores, breeders, or online.
When purchasing a blue ladybird, make sure to inspect them for any signs of poor health or unusual behavior.
As with any pet, it is a good habit to take the time to ensure that the pet you’re choosing is healthy, active, and well taken care of.
Steelblue Ladybird Care
To properly care for Halmus chalybeus, you must create the perfect environment: the right temperature, proper humidity, and an appropriate terrarium substrate.
You’ll also need to provide the correct food, water, and tank accessories to keep them healthy.
To bond with your beetle, handle them with care and provide them with mental stimulation.
Lastly, be aware of common health issues and have a plan for diagnosis and treatment if necessary.
Tank Requirements
The ideal tank for a Steelblue Ladybird should mimic this species’ native environment.
A bioactive terrarium with an open-topped, screened enclosure is ideal, as it will provide proper ventilation and the ability to regulate humidity.
Since these beetles are tropical, the tank should be kept between 72-80 degrees Fahrenheit.
The substrate should also be well-aerated and high in calcium for them to properly molt.
A water pH of around 6-7 is ideal, and it should be filtered and have a hardness between 12-18 dKH.
A full-spectrum bulb should be used to properly light their enclosure, and supplemental UVB terrarium lighting should be used to help Halmus chalybeus synthesize its necessary vitamins.
What Do Steelblue Ladybirds Eat?
Feeding Steelblue Ladybirds is relatively easy, as their diet consists of a variety of insects.
You should offer them small insects, such as crickets, mealworms, wax worms, and flies.
You can also feed them small pieces of fruits and veggies (as long as they are soft).
It is essential to remember that these beetles are omnivores and need a balanced diet.
Here is a list of some of the things you can feed Halmus chalybeus:
- Crickets
- Mealworms
- Wax worms
- Flies
- Small pieces of fruits and vegetables (avoid hard/fibrous ones)
- Fish flakes
- Dog food
- Insectivore pellets
- Calcium powder for added nutrition
If you’re looking for a more detailed approach to feeding these critters, be sure to check out my ultimate DIY ladybug food guide. I give a more in-depth explanation of the best foods and my favorite recipe.
Best Tankmates For Steelblue Ladybirds
Steelblue Ladybirds can make great tankmates if kept with other animals with similar care requirements.
They are best kept with peaceful tankmates who will not harass them and can tolerate a hotter and more humid environment than other species.
Good tankmates include small worms and snails, spiders, wasps, beetles, and cockroaches.
Small, non-predatory shrimp, crabs, and fish can also make good tankmates for paludarium setups.
It’s good practice to carefully research a potential tankmate before adding them to the enclosure.
Make sure they are of a similar size and temperament, do not feed on plants, and can tolerate the same environmental conditions as the Steelblue Ladybird.
It’s also helpful to make sure there are plenty of hiding places in the enclosure to provide all animals with sanctuary.
By providing proper care and researching the best tankmates, you can make sure Halmus chalybeus and its tankmates have a harmonious and healthy relationship.
Conclusion
The Steelblue Ladybird can be just as interesting and exciting as any other exotic pet.
With the right supplies, proper care, and plenty of bonding time, it can be an enjoyable experience for the keeper and beetle alike.
It’s no surprise that this little beetle can quickly become a beloved companion.
With the information shared in this guide, you should be ready to bring Halmus chalybeus into your setup and learn firsthand why they are so highly loved.
Create the ideal habitat for your beetles with our species-specific soil mixes and Insect Enclosure Kits. These products provide everything you need for a successful and thriving beetle habitat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Steel Blue Ladybugs (Halmus chalybeus) are found in Australia, New Zealand, and parts of the US.