Painted Lady Beetle
Mulsantina picta
This record describes Mulsantina picta (species). Recorded family: Coccinellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Gordon's figures The elytral color pattern is extremely variable, but the pronotal markings are quite constant and afford an easy means of recognition. Venter (underside) distinctive: When the underside is examined, the yellow markings of metasternum, metepisterna, and the pronotal venter are only found in this species. (Donald S. Chandler, comment ) Type locality: Chelsea Beach, Massachusetts
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
in or near boreal forests
Geographic Range
mostly in or near boreal forests of w. N. Amer. with scattered ne US records - Map Gordon's historical Map is out of date
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Mulsantina picta. 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 Painted Lady Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Joel Kits; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Abigail Parker
Frequently Asked Questions About Painted Lady Beetle
What is Painted Lady Beetle?
Painted Lady Beetle (Mulsantina picta) is a species in the family Coccinellidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Painted Lady Beetle?
Length 3.3 to 5.3 mm, width 2.2 to 4.0 mm
How do you identify Painted Lady Beetle?
Gordon's figures The elytral color pattern is extremely variable, but the pronotal markings are quite constant and afford an easy means of recognition. Venter (underside) distinctive: When the underside is examined, the yellow markings of metasternum, metepisterna, and the pronotal venter are only found in this species. (Donald S. Chandler, comment )
Where is Painted Lady Beetle found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | in or near boreal forests |
| Range | mostly in or near boreal forests of w. N. Amer. with scattered ne US records - Map Gordon's historical Map is out of date |