Snow Lady Beetle
Coccidula lepida
This record describes Coccidula lepida (species). Recorded family: Coccinellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Gordon's figures Enlongated narrow shape Lightly pubescent (hairy) markings variable:
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Coccinelloidea
- Family
- Coccinellidae (Lady Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Coccidulinae
- Tribe
- Coccidulini
- Genus
- Coccidula
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Map Nova Scotia to New Jersey, west to Alaska and Colorado. Reaches Pacific coast of Canada, but apparently not west of Rocky Mountains in U.S. "lower 48."
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Coccidula lepida J.L. LeConte 1852
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Coccidula lepida. 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 Snow Lady Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tim Moyer; Additional contributions by Chuck Entz , Mike Quinn , v belov , Abigail Parker
Frequently Asked Questions About Snow Lady Beetle
What is Snow Lady Beetle?
Snow Lady Beetle (Coccidula lepida) is a species in the family Coccinellidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Snow Lady Beetle?
2.8-3.5 mm
How do you identify Snow Lady Beetle?
Gordon's figures Enlongated narrow shape Lightly pubescent (hairy) markings variable:
Where is Snow Lady Beetle found?
Range: Map Nova Scotia to New Jersey, west to Alaska and Colorado. Reaches Pacific coast of Canada, but apparently not west of Rocky Mountains in U.S. lower 48.