Nine-spotted Lady Beetle

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Coccinella novemnotata: //ˌkɒksɪˈnɛlə ˌnoʊvɛmˈnoʊtɑːtə//

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Summary

Coccinella novemnotata is a North American ladybug species that has experienced a significant population decline since the 1960s, leading to conservation efforts and research into its ecology and decline. It is distinguished by its characteristic spots and has a role in biological pest control, despite being endangered in parts of its range.

Physical Characteristics

The nine-spotted ladybug can be identified by the four black spots on each of its elytra, a single spot split between the elytra, and a black suture between the elytra. Its pronotum is black, with two connected white marks at the front of its head. They range from 4.7-7.0 millimeters (0.19-0.28 inches) long; elytra can be yellow to orange and spotted or spotless. Males can be distinguished by a spot on their anterior coxae and stripe on the femora.

Identification Tips

Look for a ladybug with four black spots on each elytron, a single split spot between elytra, and a black suture. Distinguishing features include a black pronotum with two white marks at the front.

Habitat

Coccinella novemnotata thrive in a variety of habitats including agricultural landscapes (cotton, alfalfa, corn, soybean fields), suburban parks and gardens, open areas with shrubbery and trees, meadows, prairie grassland, and riparian zones.

Distribution

Historically widespread across the Northeastern United States and southern Canada, the nine-spotted ladybug has become rare, with sightings infrequent since the early 1990s. It was once abundant from Vancouver Island to Quebec, with limited recent collections primarily from western states in the US and sporadic occurrences in Canada (British Columbia and Alberta).

Diet

Coccinella novemnotata primarily feed on aphids, with evidence of cannibalism and intraguild predation occurring in times of prey scarcity.

Life Cycle

C. novemnotata undergoes a holometabolous life cycle, consisting of egg, four larval instars, prepupa, pupa, and adult stages, with adults entering diapause in summer and winter.

Reproduction

Reproduction occurs in early spring with oviposition in early autumn. Females determine oviposition sites and lay eggs in clutches attached to nearby vegetation.

Predators

Larvae are documented to predate on smaller, earlier instar larvae and adults consume eggs, pupae, and molting individuals.

Conservation Status

Endangered in Canada, with G5 global rank suggesting it is secure globally but imperiled in Canada (N2). It is not protected under U.S. Endangered Species Act.

Ecosystem Role

As an aphidophagous species, this ladybug contributes to biological pest control in agricultural settings.

Economic Impact

Considered a candidate for biological control due to its aphid-eating habits, beneficial in agricultural contexts.

Cultural Significance

Designated the state insect of New York since 1989, representing wildlife diversity in the state despite its decline.

Evolution

Part of the Coccinellidae family, which is a monophyletic group within the Cucujiformia, sister to a clade in Endomychidae or Corylophidae. Recent molecular phylogenetic studies clarify the relationships within the family.

Similar Taxa

• Coccinella septempunctata
• Harmonia axyridis

Misconceptions

Often confused with the spotless form of C. trifasciata subversa.

Tags

• Coccinella novemnotata
• Nine-spotted Lady Beetle
• conservation
• North America
• insect