Flying Saucer Lady Beetle
Anatis rathvoni
This record describes Anatis rathvoni (species). Recorded family: Coccinellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Identification notes
Gordon's figures
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
Arboreal, especially pines and other conifers
Geographic Range
CA-AB-BC - Map
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Aphids, especially in trees; also caterpillars, sawfly larvae, and other soft-bodied insects.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Patronym for Simon Snyder Rathvon (1812-1891) Flying Saucer Lady Beetle
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Anatis rathvoni. 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 Flying Saucer Lady Beetle (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Chuck Entz , Mike Quinn , James Bailey , Abigail Parker
Frequently Asked Questions About Flying Saucer Lady Beetle
How big is Flying Saucer Lady Beetle?
Length 7.5 to 10.2 mm, width 6.5 to 9.0 mm
How do you identify Flying Saucer Lady Beetle?
Gordon's figures
Where is Flying Saucer Lady Beetle found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Arboreal, especially pines and other conifers |
| Range | CA-AB-BC - Map |
What does Flying Saucer Lady Beetle eat?
The diet of the Flying Saucer Lady Beetle includes Aphids, especially in trees; also caterpillars, sawfly larvae, and other soft-bodied insects..