Cream-spotted Lady Beetle
Calvia quatuordecimguttata
This record describes Calvia quatuordecimguttata (species). Recorded family: Coccinellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Gordon's Figures Adult: It comes in great variety of color forms. These are the major pattern variations, starting with the cream-spotted form: Regardless of pattern, the pronotum is always shiny, and the underside is mostly black with a reddish border around the abdominal segments. The Eurasian form is chestnut-brown with 14 cream-white spots, and may occur as an adventive. Larva: Black and white with large conical spines on every abdominal segment.
Wikipedia reference for Calvia quatuordecimguttata: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cream-spot_ladybird.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Coccinelloidea
- Family
- Coccinellidae (Lady Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Coccinellinae
- Genus
- Calvia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Map - Holarctic. In N. Amer., from n. CA to NJ north
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Psyllids, aphids, and other soft-bodied insects.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: From Latin quattuordecim- "14" + guttata- "spotted" "Cream-spotted Lady Beetle" is in wide use, but describes only the Eurasian form (where the name was coined), as well as this American form:
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Calvia quatuordecimguttata. 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 Cream-spotted Lady Beetle (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Joel Kits; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Chuck Entz , Mike Quinn , James Bailey , Abigail Parker
Frequently Asked Questions About Cream-spotted Lady Beetle
What is Cream-spotted Lady Beetle?
Cream-spotted Lady Beetle (Calvia quatuordecimguttata) is a species in the family Coccinellidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Cream-spotted Lady Beetle?
Length 4.0 to 5.5 mm, width 3.2 to 4.5 mm
How do you identify Cream-spotted Lady Beetle?
Gordon's Figures Adult: It comes in great variety of color forms. These are the major pattern variations, starting with the cream-spotted form: Regardless of pattern, the pronotum is always shiny, and the underside is mostly black with a reddish border around the abdominal segments. The Eurasian form is chestnut-brown with 14 cream-white spots, and may occur as an adventive. Larva: Black and white with large conical spines on every abdominal segment.
Where is Cream-spotted Lady Beetle found?
Range: Map - Holarctic. In N. Amer., from n. CA to NJ north
What does Cream-spotted Lady Beetle eat?
The diet of the Cream-spotted Lady Beetle includes Psyllids, aphids, and other soft-bodied insects..