Alfalfa Lady Beetle
Subcoccinella vigintiquatuorpunctata
This record describes Subcoccinella vigintiquatuorpunctata (species). Recorded family: Coccinellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Dorsum covered with fine recumbent hairs, rather opaque. May appear to have a silvery sheen. Pale yellow to orange, with 0-12 black spots on each elytron, typically in 4 transverse, curved rows. Spots may fuse. pest of alfalfa ( Medicago sativa )
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Coccinelloidea
- Family
- Coccinellidae (Lady Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Epilachninae
- Genus
- Subcoccinella
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Meadows and other open habitats. found mainly on bouncing bet ( Saponaria officinalis , Caryophyllaceae) along railroad rights-of-way
Geographic Range
native to Eurasia, adventive in ne. US, ON, CO; first US record: PA 1972
Diet and Behavior
Diet: hosts include >70 plant species; Caryophyllaceae and Fabaceae are favored
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Subcoccinella vigintiquatuorpunctata (Linnaeus 1758)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Subcoccinella vigintiquatuorpunctata. 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 Alfalfa Lady Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Boris Büche; Additional contributions by Robin McLeod , Mike Quinn , Tim Moyer , v belov , Abigail Parker
Frequently Asked Questions About Alfalfa Lady Beetle
What is Alfalfa Lady Beetle?
Alfalfa Lady Beetle (Subcoccinella vigintiquatuorpunctata) is a species in the family Coccinellidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Alfalfa Lady Beetle?
3.5-4.4 mm
How do you identify Alfalfa Lady Beetle?
Dorsum covered with fine recumbent hairs, rather opaque. May appear to have a silvery sheen. Pale yellow to orange, with 0-12 black spots on each elytron, typically in 4 transverse, curved rows. Spots may fuse.
Where is Alfalfa Lady Beetle found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Meadows and other open habitats. found mainly on bouncing bet ( Saponaria officinalis , Caryophyllaceae) along railroad rights-of-way |
| Range | native to Eurasia, adventive in ne. US, ON, CO; first US record: PA 1972 |
What does Alfalfa Lady Beetle eat?
The diet of the Alfalfa Lady Beetle includes hosts include >70 plant species; Caryophyllaceae and Fabaceae are favored.