CLOSED: Tiny shiny hemispherical insect??

Which is this? It just flew away after I took this only shot and was unable to follow it to its next stop which was somewhere unknown. The shape of this insect is somewhat like a police helmet.

Dinu, it looks like a Ladybird beetle but I can't say which one. There are no markings to be seen, and there are a few which are variants of species which are like this. Size can give a clue.

The ever spreading Harlequin Ladybird can be all black.

http://www.harlequin-survey.org/recognition_and_distinction.htm

It can comfortably sit on the end of a pencil - same diameter.

It does then fit the description of an all black Harlequin ladybird, the description:

"Other characteristics: elytra with wide keel at base; legs almost always brown"

on the above site, although the legs can't be seen, it does look to have a 'keel' at the bottom of the elytra (wing casings).

The size would also fit, being 5-8mm,

http://www.ladybird-survey.org/UKladybirds/species_desc.aspx?species=6455%2059702

Harmonia axyridis, or the Multicoloured Asian Ladybird is widespread, but I found a site with many black ones in the India region! Without an expert opinion, and a microscopic examination, I wouldn't like to ID it.

http://www.angelfire.com/bug2/j_poorani/ladybirds.htm

Having checked the links, I understand your predicament and mine! The last one is useful as I found some grubs there. Have to find time to revisit. Keep looking - LOL.

Well, your link helped me locate this bug today. It came and sat on my scooter seat and I had the camera ready! Luck! Here is Anegleis cardoni (Weise) - Adult. An entry in the BF would be necessary.

I had a feeling the link would be useful! That is an easier one to ID, luckily.

Do you know how to make a new entry in BF Dinu? You can do it yourself, just look at the entires already.

You can fill in the fileds when you click on the link to 'add a new bug',

http://davesgarden.com/guides/bf/add.php

Order: Coleoptera
Family: Coccinellidae
Genus: Anegleis
Species: cardoni

The name 'Weise'shouldn't be included, that's the person who originally identified it.

I usually search for a common name on google, there are very few results for this, it appears to have no common name other than 'Ladybird' and perhaps whatever you call them locally.

http://aolsearch.aol.co.uk/aol/search?invocationType=topsearchbox.webhome&query=Anegleis+cardoni&cr=&lr=

All you need to do then is click on the link to return to your entry and upload images as normal.

Thank you wallaby for the details. In fact, that was not possible earlier and so I am assuming that continues! Adding a new bug would have to be through the other channel, through the BF how-to forum - or so I have thought. I'll try what you suggest now...... in fact, added.

Dinu

You only have to go through the BF how-to forum if the Family isn't one already in the BF, kennedy has to add the Family. This Family is already there so you can do it.

Okay, wallaby. I did not know that and now I know why. Many thanks.

Dinu

You're welcome Dinu!

I saw it today in my garden. Was lucky to get a close up. It flies and it is hard to follow where it sits next.