Exochomus childreni
This record describes Exochomus childreni (species). Recorded family: Coccinellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
- Large spot on each elytron at rear of body (apical) - Some with additional small black apical spot spanning suture - Some with additional large black spot on each elytron from middle forward, not attaining base, with somewhat straight edge running forward at 45deg away from suture middle - Spots may or may not all be connected by narrow black bands, creating circle of spots Note: (Some) Information for this page provided by BugGuide contributor Tim R. Moyer .
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Coccinelloidea
- Family
- Coccinellidae (Lady Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Chilocorinae
- Genus
- Exochomus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Exochomus childreni childreni - FL peninsula Exochomus childreni guexi - c. & s. TX to LA
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Aphids and scale insects.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: patronym for John George Children , "l'un des membres les plus distingués de la Société entomologique de Londres" ("one of the most distinguished members of the Entomological Society of London ")
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Exochomus childreni. 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 Exochomus childreni (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Hannah Nendick-Mason; Additional contributions by Chuck Entz , Mike Quinn , Abigail Parker
Frequently Asked Questions About Exochomus childreni
What is Exochomus childreni?
Exochomus childreni is a species in the family Coccinellidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Exochomus childreni?
2.8 – 3.6 mm
How do you identify Exochomus childreni?
- Large spot on each elytron at rear of body (apical) - Some with additional small black apical spot spanning suture - Some with additional large black spot on each elytron from middle forward, not attaining base, with somewhat straight edge running forward at 45deg away from suture middle - Spots may or may not all be connected by narrow black bands, creating circle of spots
Where is Exochomus childreni found?
Range: Exochomus childreni childreni - FL peninsula Exochomus childreni guexi - c. & s. TX to LA
What does Exochomus childreni eat?
The diet of the Exochomus childreni includes Aphids and scale insects..