Kidney-spot Ladybird
Chilocorus renipustulatus
This record describes Chilocorus renipustulatus (species). Recorded family: Coccinellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
The Kidney-spot Ladybird has a black body with a large red spot on each wing casing (elytron). The antennae and underside are orange. The wing casings have a distinctly flattened flange all the way round. It is quite a small ladybird at about 5 mm. Unless identified by a recognised expert, good photos are required that show the key ID features. Also state the size in the comments box. Usually found in well-wooded areas, often on tree trunks. It feeds on scale insects on the bark of trees. It is fairly frequent in England and Wales.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Coccinelloidea
- Family
- Coccinellidae (Lady Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Chilocorinae
- Genus
- Chilocorus (Twice-stabbed Lady Beetles)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Usually found in well-wooded areas, often on tree trunks.
Seasonal Activity
April to October.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
It feeds on scale insects on the bark of trees.
Additional species information
Recorded status
It is fairly frequent in England and Wales.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Chilocorus renipustulatus. 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 Kidney-spot Ladybird (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Kidney-spot Ladybird
What is Kidney-spot Ladybird?
Kidney-spot Ladybird (Chilocorus renipustulatus) is a species in the family Coccinellidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Kidney-spot Ladybird found?
Habitat: Usually found in well-wooded areas, often on tree trunks.
When is Kidney-spot Ladybird active?
Kidney-spot Ladybird: seasonal activity - April to October..
What is the life cycle of a Kidney-spot Ladybird?
It feeds on scale insects on the bark of trees.