Coccinella

Linnaeus, 1758

ladybird, ladybug, lady beetle

Species Guides

12

Coccinella is a of lady beetles recognized by their convex, hemispherical bodies and typically red or orange marked with black spots or bands. The genus contains approximately 94 and occurs throughout the Northern Hemisphere, with greater diversity in Eurasia than North America. Several species, particularly C. septempunctata, are valued as agents due to their predatory habits.

Coccinella septempunctata by (c) Gianni Del Bufalo bygdb, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Gianni Del Bufalo bygdb. Used under a CC-BY license.Coccinella alta by (c) Trevor Van Loon, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Trevor Van Loon. Used under a CC-BY license.Coccinella californica by no rights reserved, uploaded by Randal. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Coccinella: //ˌkɒksɪˈnɛlə//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Distribution

Northern Hemisphere; more diverse in Eurasia than North America, where only 11 are native

Diet

and larvae are predatory, feeding primarily on aphids; some have been observed consuming other small soft-bodied insects

Life Cycle

Larvae pass through four instars; feeding rate increases progressively from first to fourth instar

Behavior

Both and larvae actively hunt aphids; adults may aggregate during

Ecological Role

of aphids and other small herbivorous insects; contributes to of agricultural pests

Human Relevance

Used as agents in agriculture; C. septempunctata and other deliberately introduced for pest management; subject of citizen science monitoring (e.g., Lost Project)

Similar Taxa

Tags

Sources and further reading