Harmonia dimidiata
This record describes Harmonia dimidiata (species). Recorded family: Coccinellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Det. E. G. Riley, 2014 The initial introduction ... from south China into California in 1924. It was released in 1925 for aphid control, but did not become established. A shipment sent to Florida from California in 1925 was released in 1926 with establishment resulting. In 1959 it was introduced into Oregon from India for control of the balsam woolly adelgid ( Adelges piceae ) but did not become established. At present H. dimidiata occurs only in Florida.
Identification notes
Det. E. G. Riley, 2014
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Coccinelloidea
- Family
- Coccinellidae (Lady Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Coccinellinae
- Genus
- Harmonia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
FL: established in eight counties / native to east Asia, Type locality: Nepal
Diet and Behavior
Diet: introduced for biocontrol of Green Citrus Aphid - Aphis spiraecola Patch
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Harmonia dimidiata (Fabricius) Orig. Comb: Coccinella dimidiata Fabricius, 1781
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Harmonia dimidiata. 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 Harmonia dimidiata (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Ted Kropiewnicki; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Mike Quinn , Abigail Parker
Frequently Asked Questions About Harmonia dimidiata
What is Harmonia dimidiata?
Harmonia dimidiata is a species in the family Coccinellidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Harmonia dimidiata?
Length 7.40 to 10.0 mm One of the largest lady beetles in North America.
How do you identify Harmonia dimidiata?
Det. E. G. Riley, 2014
Where is Harmonia dimidiata found?
Range: FL: established in eight counties / native to east Asia, Type locality: Nepal
What does Harmonia dimidiata eat?
The diet of the Harmonia dimidiata includes introduced for biocontrol of Green Citrus Aphid - Aphis spiraecola Patch.