LeConte's Giant Lady Beetle
Anatis lecontei
This record describes Anatis lecontei (species). Recorded family: Coccinellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Black border around elytra, no spots; pronotum black with two white stripes, often with two small white marks at base Type Locality: Fort Wingate, McKinley Co., New Mexico
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Coccinelloidea
- Family
- Coccinellidae (Lady Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Coccinellinae
- Genus
- Anatis (Giant Lady Beetles)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Rocky Mtns: s.AB-NV-AZ-w.TX - Map (BG data), plus Davis Mtns, Jeff Davis Co., TX (D. Heffern, 2023, pers. comm. to MAQ)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Aphids, especially on trees
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Anatis lecontei Casey 1899
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Anatis lecontei. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About LeConte's Giant Lady Beetle
What is LeConte's Giant Lady Beetle?
LeConte's Giant Lady Beetle (Anatis lecontei) is a species in the family Coccinellidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is LeConte's Giant Lady Beetle?
7.8-10.5 mm
How do you identify LeConte's Giant Lady Beetle?
Black border around elytra, no spots; pronotum black with two white stripes, often with two small white marks at base
Where is LeConte's Giant Lady Beetle found?
Range: Rocky Mtns: s.AB-NV-AZ-w.TX - Map (BG data), plus Davis Mtns, Jeff Davis Co., TX (D. Heffern, 2023, pers. comm. to MAQ)
What does LeConte's Giant Lady Beetle eat?
The diet of the LeConte's Giant Lady Beetle includes Aphids, especially on trees.