Kidney-spotted Lady Beetle
Psyllobora renifer
This record describes Psyllobora renifer (species). Recorded family: Coccinellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Identification notes
Gordon's figures
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Coccinelloidea
- Family
- Coccinellidae (Lady Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Coccinellinae
- Genus
- Psyllobora (Fungus-eating Lady Beetles)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
sw.US (CA‒LA‒KS) & Mexico
Diet and Behavior
Diet: powdery mildew ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Psyllobora renifer Casey 1899
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Psyllobora renifer. 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-spotted Lady Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Chuck Entz , Mike Quinn , Abigail Parker , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Kidney-spotted Lady Beetle
How big is Kidney-spotted Lady Beetle?
1.75‒2.4 mm
How do you identify Kidney-spotted Lady Beetle?
Gordon's figures
Where is Kidney-spotted Lady Beetle found?
Range: sw.US (CA‒LA‒KS) & Mexico
What does Kidney-spotted Lady Beetle eat?
The diet of the Kidney-spotted Lady Beetle includes powdery mildew ( 3 ).