Cycloneda emarginata
This record describes Cycloneda emarginata (species). Recorded family: Coccinellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
According to Crotch, resembles C. munda but has dark legs (pale tibia on first leg in male). Based on other records in TX and Mexico, this is a reasonably distinctive species. The body form appears more slender and oval than Cycloneda sanguinea and munda, and the elytra frequently has a black margin (rarely black in the other two species). The pronotum markings are isolated from the margin like sanguinea, but elongated like munda. However, all we know is this appears to be a distinct population. Whether it is actually emarginata is not confirmed besides word of mouth (per. J. Bailey). No confirmed records from the United States, but occurs in Mexico.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Coccinelloidea
- Family
- Coccinellidae (Lady Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Coccinellinae
- Genus
- Cycloneda (Spotless Lady Beetles)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
México to Argentina
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Cycloneda emarginata (Mulsant 1850)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Cycloneda emarginata. 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 Cycloneda emarginata (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Graham Montgomery; Additional contributions by v belov , James Bailey
Frequently Asked Questions About Cycloneda emarginata
What is Cycloneda emarginata?
Cycloneda emarginata is a species in the family Coccinellidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Cycloneda emarginata?
3.6-5.0 mm
How do you identify Cycloneda emarginata?
According to Crotch, resembles C. munda but has dark legs (pale tibia on first leg in male). Based on other records in TX and Mexico, this is a reasonably distinctive species. The body form appears more slender and oval than Cycloneda sanguinea and munda, and the elytra frequently has a black margin (rarely black in the other two species). The pronotum markings are isolated from the margin like sanguinea, but elongated like munda. However, all we know is this appears to be a distinct population. Whether it is actually emarginata is not confirmed besides word of mouth (per. J. Bailey).
Where is Cycloneda emarginata found?
Range: México to Argentina