Schaeffer's Lady Beetle
Exoplectra schaefferi
This record describes Exoplectra schaefferi (species). Recorded family: Coccinellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Gordon's figures Type Locality: Huachucha Mts., Arizona, VII-15, from Ch. Schaeffer, Exoplectra subaenescens Gorh. (USNM 101347).
Identification notes
Gordon's figures
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Coccinelloidea
- Family
- Coccinellidae (Lady Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Coccidulinae
- Tribe
- Noviini
- Genus
- Exoplectra
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
se AZ - Map (not Ark. as stated in Vandenberg
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Exoplectra schaefferi Gordon, 1985
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Exoplectra schaefferi. 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 Schaeffer's Lady Beetle (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Abigail Parker
Frequently Asked Questions About Schaeffer's Lady Beetle
What is Schaeffer's Lady Beetle?
Schaeffer's Lady Beetle (Exoplectra schaefferi) is a species in the family Coccinellidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Schaeffer's Lady Beetle?
Length 2.75 to 4.2 mm
How do you identify Schaeffer's Lady Beetle?
Gordon's figures
Where is Schaeffer's Lady Beetle found?
Range: se AZ - Map (not Ark. as stated in Vandenberg