T-marked Lady Beetle
Brachiacantha tau
This record describes Brachiacantha tau (species). Recorded family: Coccinellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Color pattern on elytron variable from mostly yellow or orange in northern specimens, to a pattern resembling that of B. decora in southern specimens Gordon's figures See discussion here: Type locality: Fort Riley, Kansas
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
Rocky Mtn and Great Plains states - Map (stars) (BG data)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Brachiacantha tau LeConte 1859 The Greek letter Tau is the same as our letter "T", which is a good description of the black markings on this species
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Brachiacantha tau. 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 T-marked Lady Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Chuck Entz , Mike Quinn , Abigail Parker
Frequently Asked Questions About T-marked Lady Beetle
What is T-marked Lady Beetle?
T-marked Lady Beetle (Brachiacantha tau) is a species in the family Coccinellidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is T-marked Lady Beetle?
Length 4.40 to 5.50 mm Width 3.0 to 3.80 mm.
How do you identify T-marked Lady Beetle?
Color pattern on elytron variable from mostly yellow or orange in northern specimens, to a pattern resembling that of B. decora in southern specimens Gordon's figures See discussion here:
Where is T-marked Lady Beetle found?
Range: Rocky Mtn and Great Plains states - Map (stars) (BG data)