Mountain Lady Beetle
Coccinella monticola
This record describes Coccinella monticola (species). Recorded family: Coccinellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Gordon's figures (nearly all ~30 spmns in the TAMUIC more closely resemble fig. f. vs fig. g.) Elytral spots, except for scutellar spot, entirely lacking in some western specimens, elytron in eastern and northern specimens with large, oblique spot near middle and large subapical spot, humeral spot always lacking C. monticola is widespread and variable in color pattern. It is not a commonly collected species but the key characters will enable it to be recognized.
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
OR-NM-WI-YT, ne US/se Can - Map
Seasonal Activity
mostly: Jun-Aug (BG data)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: monticola (L). "mountain-dweller". Per Mulsant, the type specimen was from the Rocky Mountains
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Coccinella monticola. 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 Mountain Lady Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tim Moyer; Additional contributions by Chuck Entz , Mike Quinn , Abigail Parker , lee_penner
Frequently Asked Questions About Mountain Lady Beetle
What is Mountain Lady Beetle?
Mountain Lady Beetle (Coccinella monticola) is a species in the family Coccinellidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Mountain Lady Beetle?
Length 5.2 to 7.0 mm.
How do you identify Mountain Lady Beetle?
Gordon's figures (nearly all ~30 spmns in the TAMUIC more closely resemble fig. f. vs fig. g.) Elytral spots, except for scutellar spot, entirely lacking in some western specimens, elytron in eastern and northern specimens with large, oblique spot near middle and large subapical spot, humeral spot always lacking
Where is Mountain Lady Beetle found?
Range: OR-NM-WI-YT, ne US/se Can - Map
When is Mountain Lady Beetle active?
Mountain Lady Beetle: seasonal activity - mostly: Jun-Aug (BG data).