Coccidula scutellata
This record describes Coccidula scutellata (species). Recorded family: Coccinellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length: 2.5 to 3 mm. It is reddish brown and hairy with 5 dark spots. Elongated rahter that the typical rounded ladybird shape. This species is relatively easy to identify and is unlikely to be confused with anything else. However photos are always helpful to confirm your record. Found in marshes, and at the margins of ponds and streams favouring various other reeds and rushes. All year round, though most frequently encountered in summer months. Overwinters in the leaf sheaths of Bulrush and reeds. Widespread across southern and central England, more sporadic and local further north to the Scottish borders and mostly absent from the West Country. Welsh records are mostly from southern coastal regions. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Coccinellidae
- Genus
- Coccidula
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Found in marshes, and at the margins of ponds and streams favouring various other reeds and rushes.
Seasonal Activity
All year round, though most frequently encountered in summer months.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Overwinters in the leaf sheaths of Bulrush and reeds.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread across southern and central England, more sporadic and local further north to the Scottish borders and mostly absent from the West Country. Welsh records are mostly from southern coastal regions.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Coccidula scutellata. 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 Coccidula scutellata (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Coccidula scutellata
What is Coccidula scutellata?
Coccidula scutellata is a species in the family Coccinellidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Coccidula scutellata?
2.5 to 3 mm. It is reddish brown and hairy with 5 dark spots. Elongated rahter that the typical rounded ladybird shape.
Where is Coccidula scutellata found?
Habitat: Found in marshes, and at the margins of ponds and streams favouring various other reeds and rushes.
When is Coccidula scutellata active?
Coccidula scutellata: seasonal activity - All year round, though most frequently encountered in summer months..
What is the life cycle of a Coccidula scutellata?
Overwinters in the leaf sheaths of Bulrush and reeds.