Florida Oak Lady Beetle
Brachiacantha querceti
This record describes Brachiacantha querceti (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
- Scymninae
- Tribe
- Scymnini
- Genus
- Brachiacantha (Spurleg Lady Beetles)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
abundant on oak shrubs (Schwarz 1878)
Geographic Range
c. to s. FL - Map (open star) , mostly along Gulf coast
Seasonal Activity
May (BG data)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Brachiacantha querceti Schwarz 1878
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Brachiacantha querceti. 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 Florida Oak Lady Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jeff Hollenbeck; Additional contributions by Chuck Entz , Mike Quinn , Abigail Parker
Frequently Asked Questions About Florida Oak Lady Beetle
How big is Florida Oak Lady Beetle?
Length 2-2.75 mm (Schwarz 1878)
How do you identify Florida Oak Lady Beetle?
Gordon's Figures
Where is Florida Oak Lady Beetle found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | abundant on oak shrubs (Schwarz 1878) |
| Range | c. to s. FL - Map (open star) , mostly along Gulf coast |
When is Florida Oak Lady Beetle active?
Florida Oak Lady Beetle: seasonal activity - May (BG data).