Clay-colored Lady Beetle
Mulsantina luteodorsa
This record describes Mulsantina luteodorsa (species). Recorded family: Coccinellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Gordon's Figures - The immaculate elytron is unique within the genus except for some specimens of M. picta (widely dist.), and causes this species to resemble members of Cycloneda . PARATYPES: apparently uncommon, Joan Chapin collected several short series of spmns but only from 4 collecting events and all from 1969-70 in the LSU Coll. where she worked as curator. She determined coccinellid spmns in the TAMUIC, but never of this sp. 20 spmns found in the following collections: AUA, CAS, LSU, NCSR, USNM.
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
Habitat
several spmns coll'ed on oaks
Geographic Range
se US (LA-AL, + singleton NC and VA records) Map (Type locality: Baton Rouge, LA)
Seasonal Activity
Apr 11 - July 31
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Mulsantina luteodorsa J. Chapin 1973
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Mulsantina luteodorsa. 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 Clay-colored Lady Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Abigail Parker; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Clay-colored Lady Beetle
What is Clay-colored Lady Beetle?
Clay-colored Lady Beetle (Mulsantina luteodorsa) is a species in the family Coccinellidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Clay-colored Lady Beetle?
Length 3.8 to 4.6 mm
How do you identify Clay-colored Lady Beetle?
Gordon's Figures - The immaculate elytron is unique within the genus except for some specimens of M. picta (widely dist.), and causes this species to resemble members of Cycloneda . PARATYPES:
Where is Clay-colored Lady Beetle found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | several spmns coll'ed on oaks |
| Range | se US (LA-AL, + singleton NC and VA records) Map (Type locality: Baton Rouge, LA) |
When is Clay-colored Lady Beetle active?
Clay-colored Lady Beetle: seasonal activity - Apr 11 - July 31.