V-marked Lady Beetle
Neoharmonia venusta
This record describes Neoharmonia venusta (species). Recorded family: Coccinellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Gordon's figures for N. venusta venusta ( 3 ) Gordon's figures for N. venusta ampla ( 3 ) Subspecies can be separated by range in most areas, but overlap in eastern Texas.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Coccinelloidea
- Family
- Coccinellidae (Lady Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Coccinellinae
- Genus
- Neoharmonia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Range map ( 3 )
Seasonal Activity
mostly May-June (BG data)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Psyllids, scales, insect eggs and larvae, ( 3 ) especially beetle larvae N. v. venusta are "major predators of larvae and pupae of the [Imported] willow leaf beetle Plagiodera versicolora (Laicharteg) in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States. This is the first specialized coccinellid-chrysomelid predator-prey assoc. for the New World." (Whitehead and Duffield 1982)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: venusta - Latin for 'charming'
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Neoharmonia venusta. 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 V-marked Lady Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by john and jane balaban; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Chuck Entz , Mike Quinn , JohnMaxwell22 , Abigail Parker
Frequently Asked Questions About V-marked Lady Beetle
What is V-marked Lady Beetle?
V-marked Lady Beetle (Neoharmonia venusta) is a species in the family Coccinellidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is V-marked Lady Beetle?
Length 4.50 to 7.00 mm ( 3 )
How do you identify V-marked Lady Beetle?
Gordon's figures for N. venusta venusta ( 3 ) Gordon's figures for N. venusta ampla ( 3 )
Where is V-marked Lady Beetle found?
Range: Range map ( 3 )
What does V-marked Lady Beetle eat?
The diet of the V-marked Lady Beetle includes Psyllids, scales, insect eggs and larvae, ( 3 ) especially beetle larvae N. v. venusta are major predators of larvae and pupae of the [Imported] willow leaf beetle Plagiodera versicolora (Laicharteg) in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States. This is the first specialized coccinellid-chrysomelid predator-prey assoc. for the New World. (Whitehead and Duffield 1982).
When is V-marked Lady Beetle active?
V-marked Lady Beetle: seasonal activity - mostly May-June (BG data).