Coccinellidae
Guides
Coccinella hieroglyphica mannerheimi
Coccinella hieroglyphica mannerheimi is a subspecies of hieroglyphic lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae. It is part of the Coccinella hieroglyphica species complex, which is characterized by distinctive elytral markings. The subspecies was described by Mulsant in 1850. It occurs across parts of Europe, Northern Asia, and North America.
Coccinella monticola
mountain lady beetle, Tamarack ladybug
Coccinella monticola is a species of lady beetle native to western North America, with disjunct populations in the northeastern United States and southeastern Canada. Adults measure 5.2 to 7 mm in length and are distinguished by two oval spots on each elytron plus a single spot behind the head. The species is known to occur in montane and northern forest habitats, including areas with tamarack (Larix laricina), which contributes to one of its common names. It can be confused with the similar Coccinella difficilis.
Coccinella prolongata
Prolongate Lady Beetle
Coccinella prolongata, the prolongate lady beetle, is a species of lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae. It is a small beetle measuring 5.7–7 mm in length, with distinctive black and pale markings on the head, pronotum, and elytra. The species is native to western North America and comprises three recognized subspecies with somewhat different geographic ranges. Like other members of the genus Coccinella, it is presumed to be a predator of soft-bodied insects such as aphids.
Coccinella trifasciata perplexa
American Three-banded Lady Beetle
Coccinella trifasciata perplexa is a subspecies of three-banded lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae. It occurs in North America and has been documented as a host for the parasitoid wasp Perilitus coccinellae in Ontario, where approximately 7% of adult beetles were parasitized in field studies. The subspecies is part of a broader species complex with distribution across multiple continents.
Coelophora
Coelophora is a genus of ladybird beetles (Coccinellidae) established by Mulsant in 1850, containing approximately 14 described species distributed across Asia, Australia, and surrounding regions. Members of this genus are predominantly aphidophagous predators, with several species studied for their potential as biological control agents in agricultural systems. The genus exhibits notable colour pattern polymorphism, particularly in Coelophora inaequalis, where multiple elytral pattern morphs are controlled by alleles showing mosaic dominance. Some species have been transferred to other genera upon taxonomic revision, such as Coelophora circumusta moved to Phrynocaria.
Coleomegilla
Coleomegilla is a genus of lady beetles in the family Coccinellidae native to the Americas. The genus contains at least five described species, with Coleomegilla maculata (the pink-spotted or twelve-spotted lady beetle) being the most studied and economically significant. Members of this genus are generalist predators used in biological control programs, with C. maculata being notable as the only North American lady beetle known to complete its life cycle on plant pollen alone. The genus is distinguished from other coccinellids by its elongated body form and distinctive pink or reddish coloration with black spotting.
Coleomegilla maculata
spotted pink lady beetle, spotted lady beetle, pink spotted lady beetle, twelve-spotted lady beetle
Coleomegilla maculata is a native North American coccinellid beetle widely used in biological control programs. Adults and larvae are primarily aphid predators, though this species is unusual among North American lady beetles in its facultative pollen-feeding habit—pollen may constitute up to 50% of adult diet. The species shows increasing abundance and westward range expansion while many native coccinellids are declining, possibly due to its dietary flexibility reducing competitive impacts from invasive species. Multiple subspecies exist, with C. m. fuscilabris distinguished by bright orange-red rather than pink coloration.
Coleomegilla maculata fuscilabris
Spotted Orange Lady Beetle
Coleomegilla maculata fuscilabris is a subspecies of lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae. It belongs to a genus notable for having up to 50 percent of its diet composed of plant pollen, a unique trait among North American lady beetles. The species-level characteristics of this subspecies are not well documented in available sources.
Cryptognatha
Cryptognatha is a genus of lady beetles (family Coccinellidae) established by Mulsant in 1850. The genus contains at least 40 described species, with members distributed across tropical and subtropical regions. At least one species, Cryptognatha nodiceps, has been studied as a potential biological control agent against scale insects.
Cryptognatha nodiceps
coconut scale predator, sugarcane scale predator
Cryptognatha nodiceps is a small lady beetle introduced to multiple tropical and subtropical regions as a biological control agent targeting scale insects. Native to Trinidad and Tobago, it has established populations across the Caribbean, Florida, and various Pacific and Indian Ocean islands. Both larvae and adults are specialized predators of armored and soft scales, particularly the coconut scale (Aspidiotus destructor). The species has been deliberately released in numerous countries to manage coconut scale outbreaks in coconut-growing regions.
Cryptolaemus
Cryptolaemus is a genus of predatory lady beetles (Coccinellidae) native to eastern Australia, New Guinea, and Indonesia. The genus contains approximately 40 species, with Cryptolaemus montrouzieri being the most widely known and commercially important. Both larvae and adults prey primarily upon mealybugs and other scale insects. C. montrouzieri has been introduced globally as a biological control agent and is commonly known as the mealybug destroyer.
Cryptolaemus montrouzieri
Mealybug Destroyer, Mealybug Ladybird
Cryptolaemus montrouzieri is a small ladybird beetle native to eastern Australia, widely used as a biological control agent against mealybugs and scale insects in agricultural and horticultural systems globally. Adults are approximately 6 mm long with dark brown elytra and orange-brown head, pronotum, and appendages. Larvae reach 14–15 mm and are covered in white waxy filaments that provide aggressive mimicry of their mealybug prey, potentially protecting them from ant aggression. The species has been introduced to numerous regions including California (1891), Europe, and New Zealand for classical biological control of citrus mealybug and related pests.
Curinus
Curinus is a genus of lady beetles in the family Coccinellidae, established by Mulsant in 1850. The genus contains at least one described species, Curinus coeruleus, commonly known as the metallic blue ladybeetle. Curinus coeruleus has been studied as a biological control agent for armored scale insects in citrus production systems.
Cycloneda
Spotless Lady Beetles
Cycloneda is a genus of lady beetles in the family Coccinellidae, commonly known as spotless lady beetles. The genus contains approximately 18–20 described species distributed primarily in the Americas. Members of this genus are recognized by their typically unmarked, polished elytra lacking the spots characteristic of many other coccinellids. They are predatory beetles that feed on soft-bodied insects, particularly aphids and spider mites, and are valued as biological control agents in agricultural and garden settings.
Cycloneda emarginata
Cycloneda emarginata is a species of lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae. The species was described by Mulsant in 1850, originally placed in the genus Coccinella. Records indicate occurrence in South America, including Brazil (Santa Catarina) and Colombia across multiple departments. The genus Cycloneda contains species commonly known as spotless lady beetles, characterized by unmarked or minimally marked elytra.
Cycloneda polita
Western Polished Lady Beetle, Western Blood-red Lady Beetle, Polished Ladybug, Western Spotless Ladybird Beetle
Cycloneda polita is a small, spotless lady beetle native to western North America. Unlike most lady beetles, it lacks the characteristic spots on its elytra, presenting a uniform red or orange-red appearance. The species is commonly found in diverse habitats ranging from grasslands to forest edges, where it preys on aphids and other small soft-bodied insects. It is one of the most frequently observed lady beetles in its range, with over 6,000 documented observations on citizen science platforms.
Cycloneda sanguinea
Spotless Lady Beetle, Spotless Ladybug
Cycloneda sanguinea, commonly known as the spotless lady beetle, is a widespread ladybird beetle native to the Americas. It is distinguished by its lack of spots on the elytra, with coloration ranging from orange to deep red. The species is a voracious predator of aphids and other soft-bodied insects, making it valuable for biological control in agricultural systems. Adults and larvae both actively hunt prey, with females using volatile chemical cues to assess patch quality and avoid competitor-rich habitats. Recent research has also identified C. sanguinea as a potential vector for dispersing plant pathogens in soybean fields.
Decadiomus bahamicus
Rubin Vase Lady Beetle
Decadiomus bahamicus is a species of lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae. It is native to the Caribbean region and has been recorded in southern Florida. The species is known by the common name "Rubin Vase Lady Beetle." Knowledge of this species is limited, with few documented observations.
Delphastus
whitefly destroyers
Delphastus is a genus of small predatory lady beetles in the family Coccinellidae, tribe Serangiini. The genus contains approximately 7-20 described species, with several species commercially utilized as biological control agents of whiteflies (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) in agricultural and ornamental systems. Species such as D. catalinae, D. pusillus, and D. pallidus are well-documented predators of immature whitefly stages, feeding on eggs and nymphs of multiple whitefly species including Bemisia tabaci, B. argentifolii, Trialeurodes vaporariorum, and Singhiella simplex. The genus is characterized by specialized predatory behavior on whiteflies, with documented functional response curves and prey preferences varying by species and whitefly life stage.
Delphastus catalinae
Whitefly Predatory Lady Beetle
Delphastus catalinae is a minute predatory lady beetle (Coccinellidae) specialized in feeding on whiteflies (Aleyrodidae). Adults measure 1.40–1.50 mm with a medium reddish-brown body and slightly darker median pronotum. The species name derives from Latin 'catalinae' meaning fierce, referring to its forbidding head and mouthpart appearance. It is widely used as a biological control agent against pest whiteflies including Bemisia argentifolii, Bemisia tabaci, and Aleurothrixus trachoides in agricultural systems. Mass rearing protocols have been developed using whitefly-infested poinsettia plants, with production costs estimated at $0.22 per adult beetle.
Delphastus pusillus
Whitefly Destroyer
Delphastus pusillus is a minute coccinellid beetle specialized as a predator of whiteflies. Adults measure approximately 1.6 mm (1/16 in) and are shiny black with brown heads, though newly emerged individuals appear pale brown to nearly white. The species is a voracious predator of all whitefly life stages, with demonstrated preference for eggs and first-instar nymphs. It has been widely studied as a biological control agent for agricultural whitefly pests including Bemisia tabaci and Trialeurodes vaporariorum. Both larvae and adults are active predators capable of consuming over 100 whitefly eggs daily under optimal conditions.
Didion longulum
dusky lady beetle
Didion longulum is a species of lady beetle (Coccinellidae) in the genus Didion, characterized by its dull, non-reflective coloration that distinguishes it from the typically bright, spotted lady beetles. The species is native to North America and has been documented in western Canada including Alberta and British Columbia. Like other members of its genus, it belongs to a group sometimes referred to as "dusky lady beetles" due to their subdued appearance. The genus Didion is relatively small and understudied compared to more familiar lady beetle genera.
Didion punctatum
twice-stained miniature, twice-stained ladybug
Didion punctatum is a small dusky lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae, native to North America. It is commonly known as the "twice-stained miniature" or "twice-stained ladybug." The species has been recorded in Canadian provinces including Alberta, British Columbia, and Manitoba. It belongs to the dusky lady beetle group, which are generally smaller and less brightly colored than the familiar spotted ladybugs.
Diomus
lady beetles, ladybirds
Diomus is a genus of small lady beetles (Coccinellidae) comprising at least 20 described species. Species within this genus exhibit diverse ecological strategies, including generalist predation on mealybugs and aphids, as well as specialized myrmecophilous associations. Several species have been evaluated or employed as biological control agents against agricultural pests such as the papaya mealybug (Paracoccus marginatus), yellow sugarcane aphid (Sipha flava), and cassava mealybug (Phenacoccus manihoti). The genus shows notable variation in habitat associations, from agricultural crops to ant nests.
Diomus amabilis
amiable lady
Diomus amabilis, commonly known as the amiable lady, is a species of lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae. It is native to North America, with distribution records from Canada including Nova Scotia and Québec. The species was first described by LeConte in 1852. As a member of the genus Diomus, it belongs to a group of small lady beetles that are generally less conspicuous than the larger, more commonly recognized Coccinellinae.
Diomus debilis
lady beetle
Diomus debilis is a small lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae, described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1852. The species is documented from North America and Oceania, though specific details about its biology and ecology remain sparse. Like other members of the genus Diomus, it is likely a predator of small arthropods, but direct observations of its feeding habits have not been published.
Diomus liebecki
Liebeck's lady
Diomus liebecki, commonly known as Liebeck's lady, is a species of lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae. It was described by Horn in 1895. The species is found in North America, with distribution records from Manitoba and Ontario, Canada.
Diomus terminatus
Firefly Duskyling
Diomus terminatus is a minute lady beetle native to eastern North America, measuring 1.5–2 mm. It has been evaluated for biological control of sugarcane aphids, particularly Melanaphis sacchari and Sipha flava. Laboratory studies confirm its complete development on aphid prey, with a generation time of approximately 12 days from egg to adult at 26°C.
Diomus texanus
Diomus texanus is a species of lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae. It is native to North America. The species was described by Gordon in 1976. Very little specific information about its biology or ecology has been documented in the available literature.
Egius platycephalus
Yellow-crested Aegis
Egius platycephalus is a species of lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae, representing the sole member of the genus Egius. The species is known from both native and introduced ranges, with established populations in Hawaii and the continental United States. It is commonly referred to as the Yellow-crested Aegis.
Epilachna tredecimnotata
Southern Squash Lady Beetle
Epilachna tredecimnotata is a phytophagous lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae, commonly known as the southern squash lady beetle. Adults measure 6.75–10 mm in length and are distinguished from related species by their relatively small elytral spots. The species occurs across the Caribbean, Central America, South America, and southwestern North America (western Texas to Arizona). Like other members of the genus Epilachna, it feeds on plant material rather than other insects.
Epilachninae
leaf-feeding lady beetles, phytophagous lady beetles
Epilachninae is a subfamily of lady beetles (Coccinellidae) distinguished from other coccinellids by their herbivorous diet. Adults superficially resemble predatory lady beetles but feed exclusively on plant material, making several species significant agricultural pests. The subfamily comprises approximately 16% of described Coccinellidae species. Larvae are covered with bands of spiny projections, unlike the smooth larvae of predatory coccinellids. Many species are monophagous or narrowly oligophagous, feeding on specific host plants within Solanaceae, Cucurbitaceae, and other families. Some species, particularly in the genus Henosepilachna, have been introduced to new regions where they have become invasive pests of solanaceous crops.
Exochomus
Exochomus is a genus of lady beetles in the family Coccinellidae, first described by Redtenbacher in 1843. The genus comprises at least 77 recognized species distributed globally. Multiple species have been studied as biological control agents against mealybugs and other soft-bodied pests in agricultural and forestry systems. Research has focused particularly on E. nigripennis in Egypt and E. flaviventris in Central Africa as predators of invasive mealybug species.
Exochomus aethiops
Ebony Shield Lady Beetle, round black ladybug
Exochomus aethiops is a small lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae, commonly known as the round black ladybug or Ebony Shield Lady Beetle. Adults measure 3–4.2 mm in length and are uniformly black with yellowish brown antennae and mouthparts. The species occurs across Central America and North America, with records from South Dakota to New Mexico, west to Alberta and southern California.
Exochomus californicus Casey, 1899
Exochomus californicus is a small lady beetle species in the family Coccinellidae, described by Casey in 1899. Adults measure 3.5–4 mm in length and display distinctive coloration with black or brown elytra marked by yellow to orange patterns. The species has been documented across a restricted range in western North America, from Washington through Nevada to northern California. Like other members of Coccinellidae, it is presumed to be predatory, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Exochomus childreni childreni
Exochomus childreni childreni is a subspecies of lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae, distributed across North America. Members of the genus Exochomus are generally recognized as small to medium-sized lady beetles with somewhat elongated body forms compared to the more rounded Coccinella species. This subspecies belongs to a group of coccinellids that often occupy coniferous and mixed forest habitats. Specific biological details for this subspecies remain limited in published literature.
Exochomus childreni guexi
Exochomus childreni guexi is a subspecies of lady beetle (Coccinellidae) described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1852. It belongs to the genus Exochomus, a group of lady beetles characterized by their elongated body form and often dark coloration with contrasting markings. The subspecies is recognized as part of the North American fauna, though specific biological details remain poorly documented in the literature.
Gnathoweisea texana
Gnathoweisea texana is a species of lady beetle (Coccinellidae) described by Gordon in 1985. It is native to North America, with the specific epithet suggesting a connection to Texas. Like other members of its family, it is likely a small, predatory beetle, though detailed ecological studies appear limited.
Harmonia
Greater Lady Beetles
Harmonia is a genus of lady beetles (family Coccinellidae) commonly known as Greater Lady Beetles. The genus includes the widely introduced Multicolored Asian Lady Beetle (Harmonia axyridis), which has become established across North America and other regions as a biological control agent for aphids and other soft-bodied pests. Members of this genus are predatory beetles with highly variable coloration and spot patterns. The genus is native to Asia, with some species now distributed globally due to intentional introductions for pest management.
Helesius
Helesius is a genus of lady beetles (family Coccinellidae) containing two described species: Helesius nigripennis and Helesius nubilans. The genus was established by Casey in 1899. These beetles are part of the diverse Coccinellidae family, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Helesius nigripennis
Helesius nigripennis is a small lady beetle (Coccinellidae) found in western North America. Adults measure approximately 2.45–3 mm in length and exhibit distinctive coloration with a red head and pronotal markings contrasting against black or dark brown elytra. The species has been recorded from Colorado and Montana.
Helesius nubilans
Helesius nubilans is a small lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae. Adults measure approximately 2.8–3 mm in length. The species is known from a limited number of records in North America, specifically Texas. Its small size and distinctive coloration distinguish it from larger, more commonly encountered lady beetles.
Hippodamia
Oblong Lady Beetles, Lady Beetles, Ladybugs
Hippodamia is a genus of lady beetles (Coccinellidae) containing several economically important species. The most common native North American species is H. convergens, which forms overwintering aggregations numbering in the millions and is widely used in biological control. Another notable species, H. variegata, has a cosmopolitan distribution across both hemispheres. Members of this genus are primarily aphidophagous predators valued in agriculture for pest management.
Hippodamia americana
American lady beetle
Hippodamia americana is a small lady beetle species in the family Coccinellidae. Adults measure 4.40–5.10 mm in length. The species has been recorded from western and central Canada and the north-central United States, including Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Northwest Territories, Ontario, Saskatchewan, and Wisconsin. Published observations of this species are limited, with only six records documented on iNaturalist.
Hippodamia arctica
Arctic lady beetle
Hippodamia arctica is a small lady beetle species in the family Coccinellidae with a Holarctic distribution spanning Europe, Northern Asia (excluding China), and North America. Adults measure approximately 4–4.5 mm and display a distinctive black body with yellowish-red markings. The species inhabits northern boreal and arctic-alpine regions, with records from British Columbia, Labrador, Yukon, Alaska, and across northern Eurasia.
Hippodamia caseyi
Casey's lady beetle, Casey's ladybird
Hippodamia caseyi, commonly known as Casey's lady beetle, is a small lady beetle species in the family Coccinellidae. Adults measure 4.80–6.70 mm in length. The species is native to western North America, with confirmed records from British Columbia, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Alberta. The pronotum sometimes displays pale spots. Like other members of the genus Hippodamia, it is likely a predator of small insects such as aphids, though specific ecological studies for this species are limited.
Hippodamia convergens
Convergent Lady Beetle, Convergent Ladybug
The convergent lady beetle is among the most common lady beetles in North America, recognized by the distinctive white converging lines on its pronotum. It is a voracious predator of aphids and other soft-bodied insects, with both larvae and adults actively hunting prey. The species exhibits complex life history traits including facultative reproductive diapause triggered by food scarcity, mass aggregations for overwintering in western mountain valleys, and long-distance migratory behavior. It is one of the few natural enemies commercially collected from wild aggregations for biological control distribution, though released beetles often disperse rapidly from release sites.
Hippodamia glacialis extensa
Hippodamia glacialis extensa is a subspecies of lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae. It belongs to a genus widely recognized for its role as biological control agents of aphids and other soft-bodied insect pests. As a subspecies of H. glacialis, it is part of a taxon with a primarily northern distribution. The species H. glacialis is sometimes referred to by the common name 'glacial lady beetle' in reference to its association with cooler, higher-elevation habitats.
Hippodamia glacialis lecontei
Leconte's lady beetle, glacial lady beetle (Leconte's form)
Hippodamia glacialis lecontei is a subspecies of lady beetle (family Coccinellidae) native to North America. It belongs to a genus widely recognized for its role as aphid predators in agricultural and natural ecosystems. The subspecies epithet 'lecontei' honors the American entomologist John Lawrence LeConte. Like other Hippodamia species, it is a generalist predator, though specific ecological studies on this subspecies are limited compared to the well-studied convergent lady beetle (Hippodamia convergens).
Hippodamia lunatomaculata
crescent lady beetle
Hippodamia lunatomaculata, commonly known as the crescent lady beetle, is a species of lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae. It is found in western North America, with records from British Columbia, Oregon, Washington, and California. Adults measure 4.15–5.60 mm in length. The species includes two recognized subspecies: H. l. lunatomaculata (restricted to California) and H. l. dobzhanskyi (found across the full range).