Oregon Lady Beetle
Hippodamia oregonensis
This record describes Hippodamia oregonensis (species). Recorded family: Coccinellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
The small size, nearly all black pronotum without convergent pale spots, and heavy elytral maculation usually will allow H. oregonensis to be recognized without dissection. - Gordon, 1985
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
Alberta and British Columbia south to Oregon; also found in Utah and Colorado.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: oregonensis Latin for "of or from Oregon"
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Hippodamia oregonensis. 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 Oregon Lady Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Abigail Parker; Additional contributions by Chuck Entz
Frequently Asked Questions About Oregon Lady Beetle
What is Oregon Lady Beetle?
Oregon Lady Beetle (Hippodamia oregonensis) is a species in the family Coccinellidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Oregon Lady Beetle?
Length 4.0 to 5.0 mm, width 2.70 to 3.60 mm
How do you identify Oregon Lady Beetle?
The small size, nearly all black pronotum without convergent pale spots, and heavy elytral maculation usually will allow H. oregonensis to be recognized without dissection. - Gordon, 1985
Where is Oregon Lady Beetle found?
Range: Alberta and British Columbia south to Oregon; also found in Utah and Colorado.