Washington's Lady Beetle
Hippodamia washingtoni
This record describes Hippodamia washingtoni (species). Recorded family: Coccinellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
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
Southern British Columbia and Washington State
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Aphids
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Hippodamia washingtoni. 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 Washington's Lady Beetle (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Will Chatfield-Taylor; Additional contributions by Abigail Parker
Frequently Asked Questions About Washington's Lady Beetle
How big is Washington's Lady Beetle?
Length 5.40 to 6.70 mm, width 3.25 to 4.0 mm
Where is Washington's Lady Beetle found?
Range: Southern British Columbia and Washington State
What does Washington's Lady Beetle eat?
The diet of the Washington's Lady Beetle includes Aphids.