Kansas Lady Beetle
Scymnus kansanus
This record describes Scymnus kansanus (species). Recorded family: Coccinellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Last couplet in Gordon's key: Form elongate, sides of elytra parallel at least medially; Pronotum narrower than elytra at base; male with last sternum barely perceptibly impressed Type Locality: Kansas
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
scattered e. US records (TX-SC-QC-NE) - Map , most records north of the Mason-Dixon Line...
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Scymnus kansanus Casey, 1899
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Scymnus kansanus. 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 Kansas Lady Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Abigail Parker; Additional contributions by Bbarnd , Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Kansas Lady Beetle
What is Kansas Lady Beetle?
Kansas Lady Beetle (Scymnus kansanus) is a species in the family Coccinellidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Kansas Lady Beetle?
1.8-2.2 mm long
How do you identify Kansas Lady Beetle?
Last couplet in Gordon's key: Form elongate, sides of elytra parallel at least medially; Pronotum narrower than elytra at base; male with last sternum barely perceptibly impressed
Where is Kansas Lady Beetle found?
Range: scattered e. US records (TX-SC-QC-NE) - Map , most records north of the Mason-Dixon Line...