Transverse Lady Beetle
Coccinella transversoguttata
This record describes Coccinella transversoguttata (species). Recorded family: Coccinellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Gordon's Figures Numbers of this species are declining throughout its range, perhaps due to competition from introduced species such as the Seven-Spotted Lady Beetle ( Coccinella septempunctata ) and Multicolored Asian Lady Beetle ( Harmonia axyridis ): This was certainly the most abundant, widespread ladybug in Alberta up until the arrival of the seven-spot....[T]he relative abundance (among the aphid-eating ladybugs other than the seven-spot) of transverse ladybugs declined steeply during the decade after the seven-spot's arrival. (John Acorn, Ladybugs of Alberta , p. 135.) Ladybugs of Alberta also cites studies conducted in Maine, Manitoba, and South Dakota that found similar declines in Transverse Lady Beetle populations after the introduction of Seven-Spotted and Multicolored Asian Lady Beetles; see chapter 4, Introduced Ladybugs and Conservation. considered by New York State to be a Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN)
Identification notes
Gordon's Figures
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
Current Range - per Lost Ladybug Proj. spotter data Historical Range - Worldwide in Northern Hemisphere; in North America: CA-VA-Labrador to AK, plus Greenland(!) Based on Lost Ladybug Project and BugGuide records, the species is now most frequently found in the Rocky Mountains.
Seasonal Activity
mostly: May-Sept (BG data)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Aphids
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: transversoguttata (L). "across" + "spotted"
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Coccinella transversoguttata. 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 Transverse Lady Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Beatriz Moisset; Additional contributions by Chuck Entz , Mike Quinn , Abigail Parker
Frequently Asked Questions About Transverse Lady Beetle
What is Transverse Lady Beetle?
Transverse Lady Beetle (Coccinella transversoguttata) is a species in the family Coccinellidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Transverse Lady Beetle?
Length 5.0 to 7.8 mm
How do you identify Transverse Lady Beetle?
Gordon's Figures
Where is Transverse Lady Beetle found?
Range: Current Range - per Lost Ladybug Proj. spotter data Historical Range - Worldwide in Northern Hemisphere; in North America: CA-VA-Labrador to AK, plus Greenland(!) Based on Lost Ladybug Project and BugGuide records, the species is now most frequently found in the Rocky Mountains.
What does Transverse Lady Beetle eat?
The diet of the Transverse Lady Beetle includes Aphids.
When is Transverse Lady Beetle active?
Transverse Lady Beetle: seasonal activity - mostly: May-Sept (BG data).