Exochomus marginipennis
This record describes Exochomus marginipennis (species). Recorded family: Coccinellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Gordon't figures - Gordon wrote: There are several color forms of what I consider to be E. marginipennis (Fig. 512 e-h). The dark colored specimens are mostly restricted to the eastern and southeastern United States. Some specimens from northern Florida and Louisiana have the pale childreni pattern (Fig. 512 h), and all specimens from Texas possess that pattern. Another Exochomus species, E. childreni , may eventually be synonymized with E. marginipennis .
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
e. US (TX-FL-NY-KS) - Map Stephan reported 26 specimens of Exochomus childreni guexi from e. Oklahoma and no records of E. marginipennis , whereas Dr. Chapin reported no records of Exochomus childreni guexi from Arkansas, but 14 separate county records for E. marginipennis .
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Aphids and scale insects
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: marginipennis (L.) ‘edge wing’
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Exochomus marginipennis. 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 marginipennis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Chuck Entz , Mike Quinn , Abigail Parker
Frequently Asked Questions About Exochomus marginipennis
What is Exochomus marginipennis?
Exochomus marginipennis is a species in the family Coccinellidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Exochomus marginipennis?
Length 2.5 to 3.6 mm
How do you identify Exochomus marginipennis?
Gordon't figures - Gordon wrote: There are several color forms of what I consider to be E. marginipennis (Fig. 512 e-h). The dark colored specimens are mostly restricted to the eastern and southeastern United States. Some specimens from northern Florida and Louisiana have the pale childreni pattern (Fig. 512 h), and all specimens from Texas possess that pattern.
Where is Exochomus marginipennis found?
Range: e. US (TX-FL-NY-KS) - Map Stephan reported 26 specimens of Exochomus childreni guexi from e. Oklahoma and no records of E. marginipennis , whereas Dr. Chapin reported no records of Exochomus childreni guexi from Arkansas, but 14 separate county records for E. marginipennis .
What does Exochomus marginipennis eat?
The diet of the Exochomus marginipennis includes Aphids and scale insects.