Casey's Lady Beetle
Hippodamia caseyi
This record describes Hippodamia caseyi (species). Recorded family: Coccinellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Pronotum (between wings and head): Elytra (wing covers): This species wasn't proved to live in Alberta until 2007, so earlier range maps don't show it there.
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
Habitat
Includes, but not limited to, mountains and woodland, often in aspen woods.
Geographic Range
n. CA to CO to BC - Map
Seasonal Activity
Active adults and larvae from spring to fall. Some adults survive the winter by hibernating. mostly June-Sept (BG data)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Aphids.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Hippodamia caseyi Johnson, 1910
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Hippodamia caseyi. 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 Casey's Lady Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Lynette Elliott; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Abigail Parker
Frequently Asked Questions About Casey's Lady Beetle
What is Casey's Lady Beetle?
Casey's Lady Beetle (Hippodamia caseyi) is a species in the family Coccinellidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Casey's Lady Beetle?
Length 4.80 to 6.70 mm width 2.80 to 4.30 mm
How do you identify Casey's Lady Beetle?
Pronotum (between wings and head): Elytra (wing covers):
Where is Casey's Lady Beetle found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Includes, but not limited to, mountains and woodland, often in aspen woods. |
| Range | n. CA to CO to BC - Map |
What does Casey's Lady Beetle eat?
The diet of the Casey's Lady Beetle includes Aphids..
When is Casey's Lady Beetle active?
Casey's Lady Beetle: seasonal activity - Active adults and larvae from spring to fall. Some adults survive the winter by hibernating. mostly June-Sept (BG data).