Brachiacantha uteella
This record describes Brachiacantha uteella (species). Recorded family: Coccinellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Gordon's figures - Form elongate oval. Elytron variable, typical form black with 5 yellow spots, basal spot often faint, or spots expanded, partially confluent. Pronotum of male black except anterior margin and anterolateral angle broadly yellow, apical margin of blac area indented.
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
w. NA (CA-NM-SD-BC) - Map
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Brachiacantha uteella Casey 1908 uteella - Probably from the name of the Ute people + the Latin diminutive ending -ella: the type location was in Utah
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Brachiacantha uteella. 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 Brachiacantha uteella (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tim Moyer; Additional contributions by Chuck Entz , Mike Quinn , Abigail Parker
Frequently Asked Questions About Brachiacantha uteella
What is Brachiacantha uteella?
Brachiacantha uteella is a species in the family Coccinellidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Brachiacantha uteella?
2.6 to 4.6 mm
How do you identify Brachiacantha uteella?
Gordon's figures - Form elongate oval. Elytron variable, typical form black with 5 yellow spots, basal spot often faint, or spots expanded, partially confluent. Pronotum of male black except anterior margin and anterolateral angle broadly yellow, apical margin of blac area indented.
Where is Brachiacantha uteella found?
Range: w. NA (CA-NM-SD-BC) - Map