Didion punctatum
This record describes Didion punctatum (species). Recorded family: Coccinellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Identification notes
Gordon's figures -
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Coccinelloidea
- Family
- Coccinellidae (Lady Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Scymninae
- Tribe
- Scymnini
- Genus
- Didion
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
most of N. Amer., except se Atlantic coastal Plain, and all of s. CA. - Map
Diet and Behavior
Diet: may or may not feed on spider mites
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Didion punctatum. 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 Didion punctatum (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tim Moyer; Additional contributions by Chuck Entz , Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Didion punctatum
How big is Didion punctatum?
Length 1.4 to 1.8 mm
How do you identify Didion punctatum?
Gordon's figures -
Where is Didion punctatum found?
Range: most of N. Amer., except se Atlantic coastal Plain, and all of s. CA. - Map
What does Didion punctatum eat?
The diet of the Didion punctatum includes may or may not feed on spider mites.