Five-spotted Lady Beetle
Hippodamia quinquesignata
This record describes Hippodamia quinquesignata (species). Recorded family: Coccinellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Gordon's figures - Pronotum with or without convergent pale spots; elytral color pattern extremely variable
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. N. Amer, plus scattered eastern records - Map
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Hippodamia quinquesignata. 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 Five-spotted Lady Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Lynette Elliott; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Abigail Parker
Frequently Asked Questions About Five-spotted Lady Beetle
What is Five-spotted Lady Beetle?
Five-spotted Lady Beetle (Hippodamia quinquesignata) is a species in the family Coccinellidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Five-spotted Lady Beetle?
Length 4.0 to 7.0 mm
How do you identify Five-spotted Lady Beetle?
Gordon's figures - Pronotum with or without convergent pale spots; elytral color pattern extremely variable
Where is Five-spotted Lady Beetle found?
Range: w. N. Amer, plus scattered eastern records - Map