Heather Lady Beetle
Chilocorus bipustulatus
This record describes Chilocorus bipustulatus (species). Recorded family: Coccinellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Reddish-brown to black with a band of three red spots on each elytron Cannot survive cold winters, but may be encountered throughout North America during warm weather. This may account for BG sightings from NJ, MD, and even BC ‒ all near major ports.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Coccinelloidea
- Family
- Coccinellidae (Lady Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Chilocorinae
- Genus
- Chilocorus (Twice-stabbed Lady Beetles)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
native to Europe, introduced worldwide to control scale insects. In our area, established in California
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Scale insects, soft scales, and whiteflies
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Chilocorus bipustulatus ( Linnaeus 1758)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Chilocorus bipustulatus. 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 Heather Lady Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Boris Büche; Additional contributions by Chuck Entz , v belov , Abigail Parker
Frequently Asked Questions About Heather Lady Beetle
What is Heather Lady Beetle?
Heather Lady Beetle (Chilocorus bipustulatus) is a species in the family Coccinellidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Heather Lady Beetle?
3.0‒4.5 mm
How do you identify Heather Lady Beetle?
Reddish-brown to black with a band of three red spots on each elytron
Where is Heather Lady Beetle found?
Range: native to Europe, introduced worldwide to control scale insects. In our area, established in California
What does Heather Lady Beetle eat?
The diet of the Heather Lady Beetle includes Scale insects, soft scales, and whiteflies.