Eye-spotted Lady Beetle
Anatis mali
This record describes Anatis mali (species). Recorded family: Coccinellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Yellow to brownish-red (darkens with age) Black spots surrounded by pale rings Rounded oval shape Slightly explanate (helmet-shaped, with a slightly flared rim) This species is most similar to the European A. ocellata which, if it were to occur in the US, is distinguished by characters of the elytral pattern and generally lighter red colouration. It may also be distinguished through literature by genitalia.
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
Habitat
Typically arboreal, preferring canopies of trees, but may be found lower.
Geographic Range
across CAN, south to NC and OR - Map
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Aphids, especially on trees.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Perhaps from Latin mali- "of apple"
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Anatis mali. 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 Eye-spotted Lady Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Joel Kits; Additional contributions by Chuck Entz , Mike Quinn , James Bailey , Abigail Parker
Frequently Asked Questions About Eye-spotted Lady Beetle
What is Eye-spotted Lady Beetle?
Eye-spotted Lady Beetle (Anatis mali) is a species in the family Coccinellidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Eye-spotted Lady Beetle?
Length 7.3 to 10.0 mm
How do you identify Eye-spotted Lady Beetle?
Yellow to brownish-red (darkens with age) Black spots surrounded by pale rings Rounded oval shape Slightly explanate (helmet-shaped, with a slightly flared rim)
Where is Eye-spotted Lady Beetle found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Typically arboreal, preferring canopies of trees, but may be found lower. |
| Range | across CAN, south to NC and OR - Map |
What does Eye-spotted Lady Beetle eat?
The diet of the Eye-spotted Lady Beetle includes Aphids, especially on trees..