Prolongate Lady Beetle
Coccinella prolongata
This record describes Coccinella prolongata (species). Recorded family: Coccinellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Gordon's figures - Head black with 2 pale spots; pronotum with anterolateral pale spot larger than in any other species , (emphasis added) elytron with 2 black spots and a scutellar spot, suture narrowly darkened Det. T. Dobzhansky, 1931
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
w. NA (CA-CO-s.BC) - Map
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Coccinella prolongata Crotch, 1873
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Coccinella prolongata. 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 Prolongate Lady Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by Abigail Parker
Frequently Asked Questions About Prolongate Lady Beetle
What is Prolongate Lady Beetle?
Prolongate Lady Beetle (Coccinella prolongata) is a species in the family Coccinellidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Prolongate Lady Beetle?
Length 5.70 to 7.0 mm
How do you identify Prolongate Lady Beetle?
Gordon's figures - Head black with 2 pale spots; pronotum with anterolateral pale spot larger than in any other species , (emphasis added) elytron with 2 black spots and a scutellar spot, suture narrowly darkened Det. T. Dobzhansky, 1931
Where is Prolongate Lady Beetle found?
Range: w. NA (CA-CO-s.BC) - Map