Calaveras Lady Beetle
Scymnus calaveras
This record describes Scymnus calaveras (species). Recorded family: Coccinellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
large size, black color (pronotum entirely black) and reddish brown pubescence makes this sp. relatively east to ID
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Coccinelloidea
- Family
- Coccinellidae (Lady Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Scymninae
- Tribe
- Scymnini
- Genus
- Scymnus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
mostly CA-BC, ID - Map
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Scymnus (Pullus) calaveras Casey, 1899
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Scymnus calaveras. 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 Calaveras Lady Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Abigail Parker; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Calaveras Lady Beetle
What is Calaveras Lady Beetle?
Calaveras Lady Beetle (Scymnus calaveras) is a species in the family Coccinellidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Calaveras Lady Beetle?
2.1-2.8 mm
How do you identify Calaveras Lady Beetle?
large size, black color (pronotum entirely black) and reddish brown pubescence makes this sp. relatively east to ID
Where is Calaveras Lady Beetle found?
Range: mostly CA-BC, ID - Map