Cream-streaked Ladybird
Harmonia quadripunctata
This record describes Harmonia quadripunctata (species). Recorded family: Coccinellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
This is a medium sized ladybird (5-6 mm), recognised by the black speckled pattern on its head and pronotum. Its body colour varies but is usually salmon, pink or yellow; the legs are brown. The number of spots is very variable. This species is relatively easy to identify and is unlikely to be confused with anything else. However photos are always helpful to confirm your record. Its usual habitat is Pine woodland where it can often be found resting head-down on pine buds where it is very well camouflaged. It can also be found on nettles. It feeds on aphids and overwinters in Pine trees. This is a relatively new species in Britain, it was first recorded in 1939 and is generally uncommon especially further north.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Coccinelloidea
- Family
- Coccinellidae (Lady Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Coccinellinae
- Genus
- Harmonia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Its usual habitat is Pine woodland where it can often be found resting head-down on pine buds where it is very well camouflaged. It can also be found on nettles.
Seasonal Activity
April to October.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
It feeds on aphids and overwinters in Pine trees.
Additional species information
Recorded status
This is a relatively new species in Britain, it was first recorded in 1939 and is generally uncommon especially further north.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Harmonia quadripunctata. 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 Cream-streaked Ladybird (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Cream-streaked Ladybird
What is Cream-streaked Ladybird?
Cream-streaked Ladybird (Harmonia quadripunctata) is a species in the family Coccinellidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Cream-streaked Ladybird found?
Habitat: Its usual habitat is Pine woodland where it can often be found resting head-down on pine buds where it is very well camouflaged. It can also be found on nettles.
When is Cream-streaked Ladybird active?
Cream-streaked Ladybird: seasonal activity - April to October..
What is the life cycle of a Cream-streaked Ladybird?
It feeds on aphids and overwinters in Pine trees.