Hudsonian Lady Beetle
Mulsantina hudsonica
This record describes Mulsantina hudsonica (species). Recorded family: Coccinellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
illustrations ; dorsal pattern variable, but the elytral vitta and the the broken M-mark on the pronotum are constant
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Coccinelloidea
- Family
- Coccinellidae (Lady Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Coccinellinae
- Genus
- Mulsantina
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
transcontinental in the north (AK-NF) south to Great Lakes states and down the Appalachians to n.GA
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Mulsantina hudsonica (Casey 1899)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Mulsantina hudsonica. 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 Hudsonian Lady Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Joel Kits; Additional contributions by Chuck Entz , Mike Quinn , v belov , Abigail Parker
Frequently Asked Questions About Hudsonian Lady Beetle
What is Hudsonian Lady Beetle?
Hudsonian Lady Beetle (Mulsantina hudsonica) is a species in the family Coccinellidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Hudsonian Lady Beetle?
3.5-5.0 mm
How do you identify Hudsonian Lady Beetle?
illustrations ; dorsal pattern variable, but the elytral vitta and the the broken M-mark on the pronotum are constant
Where is Hudsonian Lady Beetle found?
Range: transcontinental in the north (AK-NF) south to Great Lakes states and down the Appalachians to n.GA