Indiana Lady Beetle
Scymnus indianensis
This record describes Scymnus indianensis (species). Recorded family: Coccinellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
The combination of small size, mostly black pronotum, and postcoxal line not reaching the hind margin of the first sternum will usually distinguish indianensis without dissection of genitalia.
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
TX-FL-NH-Ont. - Map ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Scymnus indianensis Weise, 1929
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Scymnus indianensis. 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 Indiana Lady Beetle (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Abigail Parker; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Indiana Lady Beetle
What is Indiana Lady Beetle?
Indiana Lady Beetle (Scymnus indianensis) is a species in the family Coccinellidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Indiana Lady Beetle?
1.75-2.3 mm long
How do you identify Indiana Lady Beetle?
The combination of small size, mostly black pronotum, and postcoxal line not reaching the hind margin of the first sternum will usually distinguish indianensis without dissection of genitalia.
Where is Indiana Lady Beetle found?
Range: TX-FL-NH-Ont. - Map ( 3 )