Stephan's Lady Beetle
Brachiacantha stephani
This record describes Brachiacantha stephani (species). Recorded family: Coccinellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Gordon's figures Location + elytron with median orange band and always with apical orange spot + male head black with orange vertex and frons, 6th sterna of male flat - not strongly concave Type series: ARIZONA: Santa Rita Mts., Madera Canyon; holotype: male, 26.viii.1970, K. Stephan Coll (FSCA); paratypes: 21.vii.1969, 3.viii.1968, 18.viii.1968, vii.1970
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
Geographic Range
sky islands of se AZ - Map (BG data)
Seasonal Activity
July-August, per type series (BG data)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Brachiacantha stephani Gordon, 1985
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Brachiacantha stephani. 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 Stephan's Lady Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tim Moyer; Additional contributions by Chuck Entz , Mike Quinn , v belov , Abigail Parker
Frequently Asked Questions About Stephan's Lady Beetle
What is Stephan's Lady Beetle?
Stephan's Lady Beetle (Brachiacantha stephani) is a species in the family Coccinellidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Stephan's Lady Beetle?
4.0-4.8 mm
How do you identify Stephan's Lady Beetle?
Gordon's figures Location + elytron with median orange band and always with apical orange spot + male head black with orange vertex and frons, 6th sterna of male flat - not strongly concave
Where is Stephan's Lady Beetle found?
Range: sky islands of se AZ - Map (BG data)
When is Stephan's Lady Beetle active?
Stephan's Lady Beetle: seasonal activity - July-August, per type series (BG data).