Two-spotted Lady Beetle

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Adalia bipunctata: /əˈdeɪliə baɪˌpʌŋkˈteɪtə/

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Summary

Adalia bipunctata, or the two-spotted lady beetle, is a highly variable coccinellid beetle found in the Holarctic region, known for its biological control role against aphids.

Physical Characteristics

Adult length 3.5-5.2 mm. Elytral pigmentation highly variable; typical form has orange or red elytra with two black spots and a black pronotum with white edges. Other forms can be all black or exhibit various variations in color and spot patterns.

Identification Tips

Easily identified by two black spots on a red background for the typical form. Entirely black ventral surface with black legs helps distinguish it from similar species.

Habitat

Prefers shrubs and trees.

Distribution

Found in the western United States, southern Canada, New England, and some Midwest regions. Historically widespread across most of the US and Canada, now declining in range.

Diet

Carnivorous, primarily preying on aphids and other small insects.

Life Cycle

Life cycle includes egg, four larval stages, pupal stage, and finally, adult. Larvae are cannibalistic and undergo several molts before pupation.

Reproduction

Eggs are laid in clutches. Females can transmit symbiotic bacteria that affect offspring sex ratio.

Conservation Status

Considered a Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) in New York State.

Ecosystem Role

Helps control aphid populations as a biological control agent.

Economic Impact

Used in greenhouse applications as a biocontrol agent against aphids.

Evolution

Originally described by Carl Linnaeus in 1758, showing variable morphological traits.

Similar Taxa

• Mulsantina picta

Tags

• ladybug
• biological control
• coccinellidae
• carnivorous beetle