Fourteen-spotted Lady Beetle

Propylea quatuordecimpunctata

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Suborder: Polyphaga
Superfamily: Coccinelloidea
Family: Coccinellidae
Subfamily: Coccinellinae
Genus: Propylea
Species: quatuordecimpunctata

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Propylea quatuordecimpunctata: /prɒˈpɪliə kwætwɔːdˌsɛmˈpʌŋkˌteɪtə/

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

Images

Propylea quatuordecimpunctata 122335558 by ruebezahl. Used under a CC0 license.

Propylea quatuordecimpunctata 118246734 by Gunner Kjerulf Poulsen. Used under a CC0 license.

Propylea quatuordecimpunctata 104835608 by Federico Del Barba. Used under a CC0 license.

Propylea quatuordecimpunctata 131290794 by oecophylla. Used under a CC0 license.

Propylea quatuordecimpunctata 131275278 by Yurii Basov. Used under a CC0 license.

Propylea quatuordecimpunctata 111497431 by ruebezahl. Used under a CC0 license.

Summary

Propylea quatuordecimpunctata, or the Fourteen-spotted Lady Beetle, is a small lady beetle known for its colorful variations and role in controlling aphid populations. It has a wide distribution across the Palaearctic and has become adventive in parts of North America.

Physical Characteristics

Beetles are 3.5 to 5.2 mm long with a variety of color forms. The background ranges from cream to light orange, usually with 14 black spots on the elytra, which can sometimes fuse into larger markings. The pronotum is whitish or pale yellow with 4-8 black spots. Antennae and legs are yellowish-brown.

Identification Tips

Males can be identified by their solid white 'face' while females have a dark spot in the middle of their head. The key feature for larvae is a small pointed projection from the last abdominal segment.

Habitat

Found in various habitats including gardens, lawns, fields, forests, and lowlands to subalpine areas. They inhabit herbaceous plants, grasses, bushes, trees, and can be found in forest litter and compost.

Distribution

Native and widespread in the Palaearctic, common in Europe, North Africa, and extending as far as the Arctic Circle. Adventive populations in southeastern Canada to the Great Lakes and Florida, with ongoing spread.

Diet

Primarily feeds on aphids, but also feeds on Aleyrodidae, Coccoidea, and the larvae and eggs of some beetles and butterflies.

Life Cycle

Adults can emerge from eggs in as little as 12 days. Larvae, resembling alligators, feed on aphids for about 8-10 days before pupating; adults emerge 4-5 days later.

Reproduction

Females can lay about 400 eggs, which is necessary due to the high mortality among larvae.

Ecosystem Role

Acts as a predator by feeding on aphids, thus playing a role in controlling pest populations.

Evolution

A series of unsuccessful introduction attempts for pest control occurred prior to the 1960s, with established populations resulting from accidental introductions in the 1960s.