Cactus Lady Beetle
Chilocorus cacti
This record describes Chilocorus cacti (species). Recorded family: Coccinellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Gordon's figures - mesosternum, metasternum, and abdomen yellow or red. Spmn from central Texas
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
Habitat
Found on Opuntia (Prickly Pear) cacti and various trees, including especially coconut palm trees
Geographic Range
sw US (CA-LA-OK-NV) to coastal se US / Mex. to S. Amer. / W. Indies - Map , historically restricted to s. CA to s. AZ, s. TX - Map
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Chilocorus cacti ( Linnaeus 1767)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Chilocorus cacti. 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 Cactus Lady Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jim McClarin; Additional contributions by Chuck Entz , Mike Quinn , v belov , James Bailey , Abigail Parker
Frequently Asked Questions About Cactus Lady Beetle
What is Cactus Lady Beetle?
Cactus Lady Beetle (Chilocorus cacti) is a species in the family Coccinellidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Cactus Lady Beetle?
4.0-6.2 mm
How do you identify Cactus Lady Beetle?
Gordon's figures - mesosternum, metasternum, and abdomen yellow or red. Spmn from central Texas
Where is Cactus Lady Beetle found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Found on Opuntia (Prickly Pear) cacti and various trees, including especially coconut palm trees |
| Range | sw US (CA-LA-OK-NV) to coastal se US / Mex. to S. Amer. / W. Indies - Map , historically restricted to s. CA to s. AZ, s. TX - Map |