Hippodamia apicalis
This record describes Hippodamia apicalis (species). Recorded family: Coccinellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Gordon's figures Always has a black marking connecting at the suture (midline) in an apical (rear) spot. Pronotum with pale median spot at base. Tarsal claw with tooth not closely appressed. Externally inseparable from H. expurgata . Species ID requires examination of male genitalia. Black apical suture spot is not visible on melanic (dark) individuals. ID of these individuals requires examination of male genitalia.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Coccinelloidea
- Family
- Coccinellidae (Lady Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Coccinellinae
- Genus
- Hippodamia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
CA-CO-BC - Map Range overlaps with H. expurgata in Rockies and eastward. However, H. expurgata not west of Rockies in Arizona and California.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Hippodamia apicalis Casey , 1899
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Hippodamia apicalis. 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 Hippodamia apicalis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tim Moyer; Additional contributions by Hartmut Wisch , Chuck Entz , Mike Quinn , Abigail Parker
Frequently Asked Questions About Hippodamia apicalis
What is Hippodamia apicalis?
Hippodamia apicalis is a species in the family Coccinellidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Hippodamia apicalis?
3.5 to 5.0 mm
How do you identify Hippodamia apicalis?
Gordon's figures Always has a black marking connecting at the suture (midline) in an apical (rear) spot. Pronotum with pale median spot at base. Tarsal claw with tooth not closely appressed. Externally inseparable from H. expurgata . Species ID requires examination of male genitalia.
Where is Hippodamia apicalis found?
Range: CA-CO-BC - Map Range overlaps with H. expurgata in Rockies and eastward. However, H. expurgata not west of Rockies in Arizona and California.