Glacial Lady Beetle
Hippodamia glacialis
This record describes Hippodamia glacialis (species). Recorded family: Coccinellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Largest Hippodamia species. The nominate (eastern) subspecies is distinctive, with some of the large spots at the rear of the elytra are fused into a single mass. There are also generally two small-to-barely-noticeable spots at the outside front edges of the elytra, but remaining spots are confined to rear end. The Rockies (western) subspecies has markings generally combined in bars or various arrangements that closely resemble H. quinquesignata , and reports suggest the two may not be distinguishable reliably in those cases.
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.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: glacialis (L). 'ice'
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Hippodamia glacialis. 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 Glacial Lady Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Boris Büche; Additional contributions by Hannah Nendick-Mason , Robin McLeod , Mike Quinn , James Bailey , Abigail Parker
Frequently Asked Questions About Glacial Lady Beetle
What is Glacial Lady Beetle?
Glacial Lady Beetle (Hippodamia glacialis) is a species in the family Coccinellidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Glacial Lady Beetle?
6 - 8 mm
How do you identify Glacial Lady Beetle?
Largest Hippodamia species. The nominate (eastern) subspecies is distinctive, with some of the large spots at the rear of the elytra are fused into a single mass. There are also generally two small-to-barely-noticeable spots at the outside front edges of the elytra, but remaining spots are confined to rear end. The Rockies (western) subspecies has markings generally combined in bars or various arrangements that closely resemble H. quinquesignata , and reports suggest the two may not be distinguishable reliably in those cases.