Pitch Lady Beetle
Blaisdelliana sexualis
This record describes Blaisdelliana sexualis (species). Recorded family: Coccinellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Dorsal surface black to brown (Fig. 292 h); antenna, mouthparts, femoral apices and remainder of leg yellow; male with clypeus and frons yellow (in California specimens narrow lateral border of pronotum yellow). Gordon's figure 292, a-h Type locality: St. George, Washington Co., Utah
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Coccinelloidea
- Family
- Coccinellidae (Lady Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Scymninae
- Tribe
- Hyperaspidini
- Genus
- Blaisdelliana
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
sw US (s. CA, sw UT, sw AZ) - Map
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Blaisdelliana sexualis. 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 Pitch Lady Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by James Bailey; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Pitch Lady Beetle
What is Pitch Lady Beetle?
Pitch Lady Beetle (Blaisdelliana sexualis) is a species in the family Coccinellidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Pitch Lady Beetle?
Length 1.25 to 1.78 mm
How do you identify Pitch Lady Beetle?
Dorsal surface black to brown (Fig. 292 h); antenna, mouthparts, femoral apices and remainder of leg yellow; male with clypeus and frons yellow (in California specimens narrow lateral border of pronotum yellow). Gordon's figure 292, a-h
Where is Pitch Lady Beetle found?
Range: sw US (s. CA, sw UT, sw AZ) - Map