Coccinellidae
Guides
Adalia
ladybugs, lady beetles, ladybirds
Adalia is a genus of lady beetles (Coccinellidae) containing two species: A. bipunctata (two-spot ladybird) and A. decempunctata (ten-spot ladybird). These beetles are aphid predators found across the Palearctic region. Both species exhibit color pattern polymorphism and possess alkaloid chemical defenses. A. bipunctata is known to harbor multiple male-killing symbionts including Wolbachia, Rickettsia, and Spiroplasma, though symbiont phenotypes vary geographically.
Anatis
Giant Lady Beetles
Anatis is a genus of ladybird beetles (Coccinellidae) commonly known as "giant lady beetles." The genus contains approximately ten extant species distributed primarily in North America, with at least two fossil species described. Members are relatively large compared to most lady beetles and are predatory as adults and larvae. The genus includes notable species such as Anatis mali and Anatis labiculata, which have been studied for their biological control potential.
Anatis mali
Eye-spotted Lady Beetle
Anatis mali, commonly known as the eye-spotted lady beetle, is a North American lady beetle species in the family Coccinellidae. Adults measure 7.3–10 mm in length and display variable coloration from yellow to brownish red with black markings. The species has been documented as a specialized predator of aphids in balsam fir plantations, where it plays a significant role in biological control. Research indicates that larvae require approximately 296 aphids to complete development and pupate.
Aphidecta
larch ladybird, larch ladybug
Aphidecta is a genus of Coccinellidae (ladybird beetles) containing at least one well-documented species, A. obliterata, commonly known as the larch ladybird. Members are specialized predators of conifer-infesting adelgids and aphids. The genus has been the subject of biological control research, particularly for management of balsam woolly aphid.
Arawana
Arawana is a genus of ladybirds (family Coccinellidae) established by Leng in 1908. It belongs to the subfamily Chilocorinae and tribe Chilocorini, a group known for often being scale-feeding specialists. The genus contains at least four described species distributed in the Americas, with Arawana arizonica being the type species. Species were historically described under other genera before being transferred to Arawana.
Arawana arizonica
Arawana arizonica is a small lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae, measuring 3.25–3.50 mm in length. Adults are black or piceous with a distinctive red spot on each elytron. The species is known only from Arizona in southwestern North America.
Axion plagiatum
Twice-struck Lady Beetle
Axion plagiatum is a species of lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae. It is commonly known as the Twice-struck Lady Beetle. The species occurs in the Caribbean and North America, with records from Louisiana to Oregon and southern California. Adults can be distinguished from the closely related Axion tripustulatum by the absence of a sutural spot on the elytron.
Azya
Azya is a genus of lady beetles (family Coccinellidae) comprising approximately 12 described species. The genus is notable for its unusual coloration—many species display cobalt blue rather than the typical red-orange-and-black pattern of most coccinellids. Azya species are predators of scale insects, particularly in agricultural settings. The genus was established by Mulsant in 1850 and occurs primarily in the Neotropics.
Azya orbigera
globe-marked lady beetle
Azya orbigera, commonly known as the globe-marked lady beetle, is a small lady beetle species in the family Coccinellidae. It is distinguished by its unusual cobalt blue coloration and dense dorsal pubescence, which contrast sharply with the typical red-and-black pattern of most lady beetles. Adults measure 2.90–4.25 mm in length and possess a yellow head with greenish-black dorsum and a characteristic round discal spot on each elytron. The species has a broad distribution across North America, Oceania, and South America, with two recognized subspecies.
Blaisdelliana sexualis
Pitch Lady Beetle
Blaisdelliana sexualis is a minute lady beetle (family Coccinellidae) found in the southwestern United States. Adults measure approximately 1.25–1.78 mm in length. The species has been recorded from California and Arizona, where it inhabits arid and semi-arid environments. Little is known of its biology beyond basic morphological description.
Brachiacantha arizonica
Arizona lady beetle, Arizona Spurleg
Brachiacantha arizonica, known as the Arizona lady beetle, is a small lady beetle species in the family Coccinellidae. Adults measure approximately 2.90–3.60 mm in length. The species is characterized by distinctive coloration: a yellow anterior margin and anterolateral angle on the pronotum, with black elytra bearing four yellow spots. It has been recorded from Arizona in North America.
Brachiacantha barberi
Barber's lady beetle
Brachiacantha barberi is a small lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae, tribe Hyperaspidini. It belongs to the dentipes group within the genus Brachiacantha. The species was described by Gordon in 1985 and is named for H. S. Barber. It is known from North America, with records from Texas and additional Neotropical localities reported in taxonomic revisions.
Brachiacantha bollii
Boll's lady beetle, Confluent-spotted Spurleg
Brachiacantha bollii, commonly known as Boll's lady beetle, is a small species of lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae. Adults measure approximately 2.40–3 mm in length. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in pronotal coloration: males have a black pronotum with the anterior one-third yellow, while females have a black pronotum with a yellow anterolateral angle. The elytra display five large round spots. It has been recorded from Louisiana and Texas in North America.
Brachiacantha decora
Decorated Spurleg, decorated lady beetle
Brachiacantha decora Casey, 1899 is a North American lady beetle (family Coccinellidae) historically recognized as a distinct species. A 2020 taxonomic revision synonymized it with Brachiacantha bistripustulata (Fabricius, 1801), rendering B. decora a junior synonym. The species belongs to the dentipes species group within Brachiacantha. No independent biological data exist for B. decora as a separate taxon; all ecological information refers to the synonymized B. bistripustulata.
Brachiacantha dentipes
Brachiacantha dentipes is a small lady beetle (family Coccinellidae) native to North America. Adults measure 4.75–6.30 mm in length. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in pronotum coloration: males have a black pronotum with yellow or orange anterior margin and lateral areas, while females have a similar pattern but with a black anterior margin. The elytra are black with an orange or yellow apical spot and a median band. The subspecies B. dentipes americana Leng, 1911 has been synonymized with the nominate form.
Brachiacantha felina
Orange-spotted Lady Beetle
Brachiacantha felina is a small lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae, native to eastern and central North America. Adults measure 2.2–3 mm and exhibit distinct sexual dimorphism in pronotum coloration. The species is known from scattered records across its range, with relatively few observations documented.
Brachiacantha indubitabilis
Small-spotted Spurleg
Brachiacantha indubitabilis is a minute lady beetle (Coccinellidae) distinguished by strong sexual dimorphism in coloration. Males display a yellow head and black pronotum with yellow anterior margin, while females have a yellowish-brown head and laterally yellow pronotum. Both sexes share black elytra marked with three yellow spots. The species is recorded from the northeastern and midwestern United States.
Brachiacantha lepida
Lepidine Spurleg Lady Beetle
Brachiacantha lepida is a small lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae. Adults measure 2.50–3.60 mm in length. The species is known from Central America, with records from Mexico to Costa Rica. It is distinguished by specific coloration patterns on the head, pronotum, and elytra.
Brachiacantha quadrillum
Corner-spotted Spurleg
Brachiacantha quadrillum is a small lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae, first described by LeConte in 1858. It belongs to the dentipes group within the genus Brachiacantha. The species is known from North America, with records from Texas and additional Neotropical localities documented in recent taxonomic revisions. Adults are characterized by distinctive coloration on the pronotum and elytra.
Brachiacantha quadripunctata
Four-spotted Spurleg
Brachiacantha quadripunctata is a small lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae, native to North America. Adults measure 2.5–4.0 mm and exhibit distinct sexual dimorphism in head coloration and elytral spot patterns. The species comprises two recognized subspecies with partially overlapping but distinct geographic ranges in the eastern and southeastern United States.
Brachiacantha quadripunctata flavifrons
A subspecies of lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae, distinguished by its yellowish frontal coloration. The specific epithet "flavifrons" (meaning yellow forehead) refers to this distinguishing facial characteristic. It belongs to a genus of small, often inconspicuous lady beetles that are typically associated with forest habitats and leaf litter environments.
Brachiacantha quadripunctata quadripunctata
Brachiacantha quadripunctata quadripunctata is a subspecies of lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae. It is native to North America and has been documented in the northeastern United States, including Vermont. The species belongs to a genus characterized by small, often dark-colored lady beetles with distinctive markings.
Brachiacantha rotunda
Brachiacantha rotunda is a small lady beetle species in the family Coccinellidae, described by Gordon in 1985. The species name refers to its rounded body form. Adults measure approximately 3.10–4.00 mm in length. The species has been recorded from multiple states and provinces in eastern North America.
Brachiacantha stephani
Stephan's lady beetle
Brachiacantha stephani, known as Stephan's lady beetle, is a small lady beetle species in the family Coccinellidae. Adults exhibit distinctive coloration with black bodies marked by yellow and reddish-orange patterns on the pronotum and elytra. The species is known from a limited geographic range in North America, specifically recorded from Arizona. It is named in honor of Karl Stephan, collector of part of the type series.
Brachiacantha tau
t-marked larkspur lady beetle, T-marked Spurleg
Brachiacantha tau is a small lady beetle (Coccinellidae) measuring approximately 2–3 mm in length. Adults are oval and shiny. The species is notable for its larval biology: larvae feed on scale insects within ant colonies, making them rarely observed. Adults are sometimes found on flowers or hunting in foliage. The specific epithet "tau" refers to a T-shaped marking on the species.
Brachiacantha testudo
Turtle Lady, Texas Ten-spotted Spurleg
A small North American lady beetle distinguished by its distinctive spotted pattern and turtle-like appearance. Adults measure 2.25–3.30 mm. The species has been recorded from Texas and is known by two common names reflecting its appearance and distribution.
Brachiacantha ursina
ursine spurleg lady beetle, orange-spotted lady beetle
A small North American lady beetle, 3–4 mm in length, recognized by the male's black pronotum with yellow anterior margin and five yellow spots on each elytron. The species has been recorded from Nova Scotia to South Carolina, west to Manitoba and Iowa. It belongs to the genus Brachiacantha, which is characterized by modified hind legs in males.
Brumoides histrio
Lepine Lady Beetle
Brumoides histrio is a small lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae, commonly known as the Lepine Lady Beetle. Adults measure 2.75–4.0 mm in length. The species is native to North America, with documented records from Utah to Arizona and southern California. Its color pattern resembles that of the related species Brumoides septentrionis.
Brumoides septentrionis
Winter Lady Beetle
Brumoides septentrionis is a small lady beetle (Coccinellidae) native to North America. Adults measure approximately 2.9–3 mm in length. The species exhibits distinctive coloration with black markings on a yellowish-brown to red elytral background. It is known by the common name 'Winter Lady Beetle' and comprises three recognized subspecies with distinct geographic ranges across North America.
Brumoides septentrionis hogei
Brumoides septentrionis hogei is a subspecies of lady beetle (Coccinellidae) described by Gorham in 1894. It belongs to the genus Brumoides, a group of small, elongate lady beetles often associated with scale insects. The subspecific designation indicates geographic or morphological differentiation within the widespread species B. septentrionis. Very few observations exist in citizen science databases, suggesting either genuine rarity or undercollection.
Brumus
Brumus is a genus of lady beetles (family Coccinellidae) established by Mulsant in 1850. The genus contains approximately 10 described species distributed across Europe, Asia, and Africa. Species in this genus are generally small to medium-sized coccinellids with somewhat elongated body forms compared to the more rounded typical lady beetles.
Brumus quadripustulatus
Cream-spot ladybird, Cream-spot lady beetle
Brumus quadripustulatus is a small ladybird beetle native to Europe and northern Asia, now established in North America. It is recognized by its distinctive cream-colored spots on a dark, nearly black background. The species inhabits various wooded and shrubby environments and has been observed preying on aphids and scale insects.
Calvia quatuordecimguttata
cream-spot ladybird, cream-spotted ladybird, polkadot ladybird, eighteen spot ladybird
A small Holarctic ladybird measuring 4–5.5 mm, highly variable in coloration across its range. In Europe it appears maroon-brown with fourteen cream spots; in North America and eastern Asia, color forms range from black with white spots to yellow or pink with eighteen large blotches. It inhabits deciduous woodlands, hedgerows, and ruderal areas, overwintering in bark crevices and leaf litter.
Carinodulinka
Carinodulinka is a genus of beetles in the family Coccinellidae, established by Slipinski and Tomaszewska in 2002. The genus is currently classified as doubtful in GBIF, indicating taxonomic uncertainty or pending revision. No species observations have been recorded in iNaturalist, and little published information is available regarding its biology or distribution. It belongs to the lady beetle family but its precise placement and distinguishing characteristics remain poorly documented.
Cephaloscymnus zimmermanni
Zimmermann's lady beetle
Cephaloscymnus zimmermanni is a minute lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae. Adults measure approximately 2.15–2.40 mm in length with a dark piceous to black body. The species occurs in eastern North America, with records from Washington D.C., Ohio, Indiana, Maryland, New Jersey, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. It belongs to the subfamily Scymninae, a group of small predatory lady beetles.
Chilocorinae
Scale-feeding Lady Beetles
Chilocorinae are a subfamily of lady beetles (Coccinellidae) commonly known as scale-feeding lady beetles. They are specialized predators of scale insects, though some species have been observed feeding on cowpea aphids. Members are typically medium-sized with shiny, often unmarked elytra and rounded, helmet-shaped bodies. They exhibit defensive reflex bleeding when disturbed and may form winter aggregations.
Chilocorus bipustulatus
heather ladybird, heather lady beetle
Chilocorus bipustulatus is a small lady beetle in the subfamily Chilocorinae, commonly known as the heather ladybird. It is widely distributed across the Palearctic and has been introduced to tropical Africa, Hawaii, and North America for biological control. The species is recognized by its shiny brown elytra with two reddish-orange spots. Both adults and larvae are specialist predators of scale insects, particularly armored scales (Diaspididae), and are used commercially to manage scale infestations in orchards and forests.
Chilocorus cacti
cactus lady beetle, twice-stabbed cactus lady beetle
Chilocorus cacti is a small predatory lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae, native to the New World and introduced to several regions including South Africa, India, and New Zealand. Both adults and larvae are specialized predators of scale insects, with documented consumption of numerous agricultural pest species. The species has been evaluated for biological control programs with variable success. Its common name derives from its frequent association with prickly pear cacti and the distinctive two reddish-brown spots on its otherwise black elytra.
Chilocorus nigrita
black ladybird beetle, black lady beetle
Chilocorus nigrita is a species of ladybird beetle in the family Coccinellidae. It belongs to the genus Chilocorus, which comprises small, often dark-colored ladybirds that feed primarily on scale insects. The species is known from forested habitats and is considered a beneficial predator in natural ecosystems. Unlike some commercially used ladybird species, Chilocorus nigrita is not widely sold for biological control purposes.
Chrysaster on-canavalia
Chrysaster on-canavalia is a species of lady beetle (family Coccinellidae) in the subfamily Chilocorinae. This species is known from limited documented records, primarily associated with tropical regions. It belongs to a genus characterized by small, often inconspicuous coccinellids that differ in morphology from the more familiar brightly colored lady beetles. The specific epithet references Canavalia, a legume genus, suggesting a potential ecological association.
Clitostethus
dusky lady beetles
Clitostethus is a genus of minute lady beetles (Coccinellidae: Scymninae) comprising over 40 species. Members are recognized as specialized predators of whiteflies (Aleyrodidae). Several species have been evaluated as biological control agents against agricultural pests including Bemisia tabaci and Siphoninus phillyreae. The genus was established by Weise in 1885 and includes species formerly classified under Nephaspis.
Clitostethus arcuatus
Horseshoe Ladybird
Clitostethus arcuatus is a minute ladybird beetle in the subfamily Scymninae, measuring 1.3–1.5 mm as an adult. Native to Europe, it has been introduced or reported from Bermuda and is expanding its range northward in European Russia. It serves as an important biological control agent of whitefly pests, particularly the ash whitefly Siphoninus phillyreae, and has been evaluated for augmentation biocontrol programs.
Coccidula lepida
snow lady beetle, black arrow lady beetle
Coccidula lepida is a small lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae, known by the common names snow lady beetle and black arrow lady beetle. Adults measure 2.75–3.45 mm in length and are characterized by yellow elytra with black spots, a black head, and yellow body coloration. The species is distributed across northern North America, with records from Quebec to New Jersey, west to Alaska and Colorado, and additional Canadian provinces including Alberta, British Columbia, and Manitoba.
Coccinella
ladybird, ladybug, lady beetle
Coccinella is a genus of lady beetles recognized by their convex, hemispherical bodies and typically red or orange elytra marked with black spots or bands. The genus contains approximately 94 species and occurs throughout the Northern Hemisphere, with greater diversity in Eurasia than North America. Several species, particularly C. septempunctata, are valued as biological control agents due to their predatory habits.
Coccinella alta
High-country Lady Beetle
Coccinella alta is a small lady beetle species in the family Coccinellidae, first described by W.J. Brown in 1962. It is native to western North America, with confirmed records from Alberta, Utah, Colorado, and California. Adults measure approximately 4.80–5.30 mm in length and display distinctive black and pale coloration patterns on the head, pronotum, and elytra. The species appears to be associated with high-elevation or montane habitats, as suggested by its specific epithet and common name.
Coccinella californica
California Lady Beetle
Coccinella californica is a ladybird beetle endemic to coastal California. Adults measure 5.10–6.80 mm and are distinguished by predominantly red, usually spotless elytra and a mostly black thorax. The species plays a documented role in biological pest control in vineyard ecosystems.
Coccinella fulgida
Gleaming Lady Beetle
Coccinella fulgida is a small lady beetle species in the family Coccinellidae, described by Watson in 1954. Adults measure 4.50–5.60 mm in length. The species is found in northern North America, with records from Alaska, British Columbia, Northwest Territories, and Quebec. It is among the less commonly documented members of the genus Coccinella.
Coccinella hieroglyphica
Hieroglyphic Lady Beetle, Hieroglyphic Ladybird, Hieroglyphic Ladybug
Coccinella hieroglyphica is a Palearctic lady beetle species associated with heath and moorland habitats, particularly on Ericaceae plants. It is distributed across northern Europe, extending beyond the Arctic Circle, through Russia and Siberia to East Asia. The species is aphidophagous, with populations showing considerable annual fluctuation. Adults are active from May through October and overwinter in coarse woody debris beneath pines and birches.
Coccinella hieroglyphica humboldtiensis
Coccinella hieroglyphica humboldtiensis is a subspecies of lady beetle (family Coccinellidae) described by Nunenmacher in 1912. It belongs to a species complex within the genus Coccinella that includes beetles with distinctive spot patterns. The subspecies designation humboldtiensis suggests a geographic association, likely with the Humboldt region of western North America. Very few observations of this subspecies have been documented, with only 3 records in iNaturalist as of the data cutoff.
Coccinella hieroglyphica kirbyi
Coccinella hieroglyphica kirbyi is a subspecies of hieroglyphic lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae. It is classified within the diverse genus Coccinella, which includes numerous aphid-feeding species distributed across North America, Europe, and Asia. This subspecies represents part of the broader C. hieroglyphica complex found across northern regions.