Variable Lady Beetle
Coelophora inaequalis
This record describes Coelophora inaequalis (species). Recorded family: Coccinellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Gordon's Figures - Introduced to Florida from Hawaii via Puerto Rico to control the yellow sugarcane aphid - Sipha flava (Forbes).
Identification notes
Gordon's Figures -
Wikipedia reference for Coelophora inaequalis: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coelophora_inaequalis.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Coccinelloidea
- Family
- Coccinellidae (Lady Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Coccinellinae
- Genus
- Coelophora
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
coastal peninsular FL / W. Indies / S. Amer. - Map ; native to Old World Tropics, including Africa, Asia and Australia
Seasonal Activity
year round in FL (BG data)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Coelophora inaequalis. 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 Variable Lady Beetle (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Robin McLeod; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Harsi S. Parker , James Bailey , Abigail Parker
Frequently Asked Questions About Variable Lady Beetle
What is Variable Lady Beetle?
Variable Lady Beetle (Coelophora inaequalis) is a species in the family Coccinellidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Variable Lady Beetle?
Gordon's Figures -
Where is Variable Lady Beetle found?
Range: coastal peninsular FL / W. Indies / S. Amer. - Map ; native to Old World Tropics, including Africa, Asia and Australia
When is Variable Lady Beetle active?
Variable Lady Beetle: seasonal activity - year round in FL (BG data).