Expurgate Lady Beetle
Hippodamia expurgata
This record describes Hippodamia expurgata (species). Recorded family: Coccinellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Gordon's figures Usually has a black marking connecting at the suture (midline) in an apical (rear) spot. Tarsal claw with tooth not closely appressed. Externally inseparable from Hippodamia apicalis when apical suture spot is present, and closely resembles H. parenthesis when this spot is not present. Species identication 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
w NA (NV-NM-SK-AK) - Map Most of range overlaps with H. apicalis and H. parenthesis , but may be separable by range in certain areas:
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Aphids.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Hippodamia expurgata. 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 Expurgate Lady Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tim Loh; Additional contributions by Hartmut Wisch , Mike Quinn , Abigail Parker
Frequently Asked Questions About Expurgate Lady Beetle
What is Expurgate Lady Beetle?
Expurgate Lady Beetle (Hippodamia expurgata) is a species in the family Coccinellidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Expurgate Lady Beetle?
Length 3.50 to 5.0 mm, width 2.20 to 3.25 mm.
How do you identify Expurgate Lady Beetle?
Gordon's figures Usually has a black marking connecting at the suture (midline) in an apical (rear) spot. Tarsal claw with tooth not closely appressed. Externally inseparable from Hippodamia apicalis when apical suture spot is present, and closely resembles H. parenthesis when this spot is not present. Species identication requires examination of male genitalia.
Where is Expurgate Lady Beetle found?
Range: w NA (NV-NM-SK-AK) - Map Most of range overlaps with H. apicalis and H. parenthesis , but may be separable by range in certain areas:
What does Expurgate Lady Beetle eat?
The diet of the Expurgate Lady Beetle includes Aphids..