Pine Lady Beetle
Brumus quadripustulatus
This record describes Brumus quadripustulatus (species). Recorded family: Coccinellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Gordon's figures - dark brown to black with two pale (yellow to red) spots on each elytron: the front one is comma-shaped (sometimes rectangular), the rear one oval/round ; recently emerged adults are orange or reddish without spots Introduced to control the Hemlock Woolly Aldegid ( Adelges tsugae ); originally established near San Francisco, CA but now spread (or introduced) far beyond that.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Coccinelloidea
- Family
- Coccinellidae (Lady Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Chilocorinae
- Genus
- Brumus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
on conifers
Geographic Range
w. N. Amer., adventive. native to, and widespread across, the Palaearctic
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Adelgids (woolly aphids) and scale insects, especially on conifers
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: quadripustulatus - Latin for "four-blistered", referring to the beetle's four red spots.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Brumus quadripustulatus. 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 Pine Lady Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jim McClarin; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Chuck Entz , Mike Quinn , Tim Moyer , v belov , Harsi S. Parker , Abigail Parker
Frequently Asked Questions About Pine Lady Beetle
What is Pine Lady Beetle?
Pine Lady Beetle (Brumus quadripustulatus) is a species in the family Coccinellidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Pine Lady Beetle?
3.6-4.8 mm
How do you identify Pine Lady Beetle?
Gordon's figures - dark brown to black with two pale (yellow to red) spots on each elytron: the front one is comma-shaped (sometimes rectangular), the rear one oval/round ; recently emerged adults are orange or reddish without spots
Where is Pine Lady Beetle found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | on conifers |
| Range | w. N. Amer., adventive. native to, and widespread across, the Palaearctic |
What does Pine Lady Beetle eat?
The diet of the Pine Lady Beetle includes Adelgids (woolly aphids) and scale insects, especially on conifers.