Adonis' Ladybird
Hippodamia variegata
This record describes Hippodamia variegata (species). Recorded family: Coccinellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
A small ladybird, measuring only 4 to 5 mm. It has red elytra with between 3 and 15 black spots, which are sometimes fused together and tend to be concentrated to the rear. The white pronotum is mostly covered with a black pattern and the legs are mainly black, but are brown near the ends. It is smaller and has a slightly more elongated, oval shaped body than the common Seven Spot Ladybird. It could be confused with the 7 Spot Ladybird but the Adonis is smaller and more elongate. Unless identified by a recognised expert, good photos are required that show the key ID features. Also state the size in the comments box. it is usually most frequent on ruderal, weedy plants on sandy, open soils but is sometimes found in leaf litter or on rather derelict or industrial sites. Best looked for in summer, but can be seen for most of the year in warm spells. Fairly widespread but local in Britain, it seems to be increasing in numbers in recent years and can be fairly frequent in suitable small areas.
Wikipedia reference for Hippodamia variegata: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hippodamia_variegata.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Coccinelloidea
- Family
- Coccinellidae (Lady Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Coccinellinae
- Genus
- Hippodamia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
it is usually most frequent on ruderal, weedy plants on sandy, open soils but is sometimes found in leaf litter or on rather derelict or industrial sites.
Seasonal Activity
Best looked for in summer, but can be seen for most of the year in warm spells.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Feeds on aphids.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Fairly widespread but local in Britain, it seems to be increasing in numbers in recent years and can be fairly frequent in suitable small areas.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Hippodamia variegata. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Coleoptera is the largest order of insects with over 400,000 described species, representing ~25% of all known animal species and ~40% of all insects. In the U.S. alone, nearly 30,000 beetle species have been identified.
Ecological role of the group
Beetles are prominent decomposers, especially in forests, breaking down dead wood and recycling nutrients. As predators, they reduce populations of pest insects. Many species are also important pollinators of flowering plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Beetles have major economic significance: leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) and weevils (Curculionoidea) are among the most destructive agricultural pests globally, costing billions annually, while predatory species like ladybugs provide natural pest control.
Recorded sources for this group: Britannica, Smithsonian, NCSU Entomology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Adonis' Ladybird (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Adonis' Ladybird
What is Adonis' Ladybird?
Adonis' Ladybird (Hippodamia variegata) is a species in the family Coccinellidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Adonis' Ladybird found?
Habitat: it is usually most frequent on ruderal, weedy plants on sandy, open soils but is sometimes found in leaf litter or on rather derelict or industrial sites.
When is Adonis' Ladybird active?
Adonis' Ladybird: seasonal activity - Best looked for in summer, but can be seen for most of the year in warm spells..
What is the life cycle of a Adonis' Ladybird?
Feeds on aphids.