Parenthesis Lady Beetle
Hippodamia parenthesis
This record describes Hippodamia parenthesis (species). Recorded family: Coccinellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Gordon's figures last three key couplets per Gordon:
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
widely dist., except se US and northern Pacific coast - Map
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Hippodamia parenthesis. 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 Parenthesis Lady Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Joel Kits; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Tim Moyer , Abigail Parker
Frequently Asked Questions About Parenthesis Lady Beetle
What is Parenthesis Lady Beetle?
Parenthesis Lady Beetle (Hippodamia parenthesis) is a species in the family Coccinellidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Parenthesis Lady Beetle?
Length 3.75 to 5.6 mm
How do you identify Parenthesis Lady Beetle?
Gordon's figures last three key couplets per Gordon:
Where is Parenthesis Lady Beetle found?
Range: widely dist., except se US and northern Pacific coast - Map