Crescent Lady Beetle
Hippodamia lunatomaculata
This record describes Hippodamia lunatomaculata (species). Recorded family: Coccinellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Gordon's figures Pronotum parenthesis -type, black with white margin, isolated white basal spot, and anterior indent. Extent of black varies based on locality, and may be more extensive especially in the northern ssp. dobzhanskyi (Gordon 1985). Corners of pronotum usually hard (square-shaped). Elytra yellow-red, with 0-7 markings. Two anterior markings, and four discal markings in the apical half which are often connected. Bow-tie common especially on darker individuals, may be reduced to narrow strip in immaculate specimens. Very similar to H. parenthesis , specifically only differing by the appression of the tarsal claw and genitalia. May potentially be identified on a local basis by the associated subspecies in the area and the persisting frequency of said phenotype. For instance, the nearly immaculate nominate subspecies resembles immaculate parenthesis , but immaculate parenthesis are rather uncommon; thus, immaculate parenthesis in range, especially when showing in large numbers, are keyable to lunatomaculata with reasonable confidence (J. Bailey). Other Hippodamia differ in the characters of the pronotum pattern, and genitalia characteristics.
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
west coast - Map (stars & dots)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Hippodamia lunatomaculata dobzhanskyi Chapin Hippodamia lunatomaculata lunatomaculata Motschulsky
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Hippodamia lunatomaculata. 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 Crescent Lady Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by James Bailey; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Crescent Lady Beetle
What is Crescent Lady Beetle?
Crescent Lady Beetle (Hippodamia lunatomaculata) is a species in the family Coccinellidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Crescent Lady Beetle?
Gordon's figures Pronotum parenthesis -type, black with white margin, isolated white basal spot, and anterior indent. Extent of black varies based on locality, and may be more extensive especially in the northern ssp. dobzhanskyi (Gordon 1985). Corners of pronotum usually hard (square-shaped). Elytra yellow-red, with 0-7 markings. Two anterior markings, and four discal markings in the apical half which are often connected. Bow-tie common especially on darker individuals, may be reduced to narrow strip in immaculate specimens.
Where is Crescent Lady Beetle found?
Range: west coast - Map (stars & dots)