Thirteen-spotted Lady Beetle
Hippodamia tredecimpunctata
This record describes Hippodamia tredecimpunctata (species). Recorded family: Coccinellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Gordon's Figures - This somewhat elongated lady beetle has 13 black spots on its elytra, although some may be fused together. The species Hippodamia tredecimpunctata is holarctic (throughout the northern hemisphere, including Europe and Asia), with a number of subspecies. The nominate subspecies, H. tredecimpunctata tredecimpunctata , is native to Europe. North American beetles belong to subspecies H. tredecimpunctata tibialis .
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
Habitat
reed beds, marches
Geographic Range
Holarctic, across N. Amer., except southern tier of states - Map
Seasonal Activity
mostly: May-Sept (BG data)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Aphids
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: tredecimpunctata (L). "thirteen-spotted"
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Hippodamia tredecimpunctata. 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 Thirteen-spotted Lady Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Lynette Elliott; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Abigail Parker
Frequently Asked Questions About Thirteen-spotted Lady Beetle
What is Thirteen-spotted Lady Beetle?
Thirteen-spotted Lady Beetle (Hippodamia tredecimpunctata) is a species in the family Coccinellidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Thirteen-spotted Lady Beetle?
Length 4.5 to 6.4 mm
How do you identify Thirteen-spotted Lady Beetle?
Gordon's Figures - This somewhat elongated lady beetle has 13 black spots on its elytra, although some may be fused together.
Where is Thirteen-spotted Lady Beetle found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | reed beds, marches |
| Range | Holarctic, across N. Amer., except southern tier of states - Map |
What does Thirteen-spotted Lady Beetle eat?
The diet of the Thirteen-spotted Lady Beetle includes Aphids.
When is Thirteen-spotted Lady Beetle active?
Thirteen-spotted Lady Beetle: seasonal activity - mostly: May-Sept (BG data).