California Lady Beetle
Coccinella californica
This record describes Coccinella californica (species). Recorded family: Coccinellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Gordon's figures - Typical form: Gordon's figure - johnsoni form:
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Coccinelloidea
- Family
- Coccinellidae (Lady Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Coccinellinae
- Genus
- Coccinella
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
range hugs the west coast - Map
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Coccinella californica. 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 California Lady Beetle (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Will Chatfield-Taylor; Additional contributions by Chuck Entz , Mike Quinn , Tim Moyer , Chris Mallory , Abigail Parker
Frequently Asked Questions About California Lady Beetle
What is California Lady Beetle?
California Lady Beetle (Coccinella californica) is a species in the family Coccinellidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify California Lady Beetle?
Gordon's figures - Typical form: Gordon's figure - johnsoni form:
Where is California Lady Beetle found?
Range: range hugs the west coast - Map