Twenty-Spotted Lady Beetle
Psyllobora vigintimaculata
This record describes Psyllobora vigintimaculata (species). Recorded family: Coccinellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Gordon's Figures Pronotum with 4 dark spots; elytron usually with 9 spots, spots partially confluent, pattern variable; the dorsal pattern will usually separate this species from other nearctic spp. The base color is always pale (white to light tan); the color and extent of the markings is variable. Black markings (default throughout range; widespread, except CA) Bicolored markings (limited to CA, and the only form found throughout the state) Orange underlay (only in the east) Limited brown markings (arid SW)
Wikipedia reference for Psyllobora vigintimaculata: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psyllobora_vigintimaculata.
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
Habitat
In early spring, occurs in numbers about the base of skunk cabbage and on leaves of various shrubs ( 3 ) . In summer and fall, on any plant with powdery mildew, from ground-level to treetop.
Geographic Range
e. NA, west coast, plus scattered western records up to AK (AK-NF to CA-GA) - Map
Diet and Behavior
Diet: fungus (mostly mildew on leaf surfaces); powdery mildew ( 4 )
Life History
Eggs; newly hatched larvae; larva; larva; pupa; pupa; teneral adult; mating
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Psyllobora vigintimaculata (Say 1824)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Psyllobora vigintimaculata. 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 Twenty-Spotted Lady Beetle (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Stephen_WV; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Chuck Entz , Mike Quinn , v belov , James Bailey , marcie oconnor , Abigail Parker
Frequently Asked Questions About Twenty-Spotted Lady Beetle
What is Twenty-Spotted Lady Beetle?
Twenty-Spotted Lady Beetle (Psyllobora vigintimaculata) is a species in the family Coccinellidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Twenty-Spotted Lady Beetle?
1.75-3.0 mm
How do you identify Twenty-Spotted Lady Beetle?
Gordon's Figures Pronotum with 4 dark spots; elytron usually with 9 spots, spots partially confluent, pattern variable; the dorsal pattern will usually separate this species from other nearctic spp. The base color is always pale (white to light tan); the color and extent of the markings is variable. Black markings (default throughout range; widespread, except CA) Bicolored markings (limited to CA, and the only form found throughout the state) Orange underlay (only in the east) Limited brown markings (arid SW)
Where is Twenty-Spotted Lady Beetle found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | In early spring, occurs in numbers about the base of skunk cabbage and on leaves of various shrubs ( 3 ) . In summer and fall, on any plant with powdery mildew, from ground-level to treetop. |
| Range | e. NA, west coast, plus scattered western records up to AK (AK-NF to CA-GA) - Map |
What does Twenty-Spotted Lady Beetle eat?
The diet of the Twenty-Spotted Lady Beetle includes fungus (mostly mildew on leaf surfaces); powdery mildew ( 4 ).
What is the life cycle of a Twenty-Spotted Lady Beetle?
Eggs; newly hatched larvae; larva; larva; pupa; pupa; teneral adult; mating