Evergreen Natural History Database

Coccinellidae overview

Identification:
Identical to C. polita in all respects other than elytral pigmentation. Genitalia are the same. 3.5- 6.2 mm long, 3.0- 4.0 wide. Form rounded, convex. Elytra immaculate, usually red. Lateral margin of elytra feebly explanate. Two lateral black spots on pronotum, giving the appearance of eyes. Middle and hind tibiae each with 2 tibial spurs. Tarsal claw with large subquadrate basal tooth. Postcoxal line incomplete without oblique dividing line.

Range:
Washington, British Columbia (Gordon 1985).

Natural History:
Considered a beneficial organism, feeding primarily on aphids. Also feeds on mites and scale insects.

References:

Gordon, R. D. 1985. The Coccinellidae (Coleoptera) of America north of Mexico. Journal of the New York Entomological Society 93:1-912.

Last updated Friday, July 21, 2006, by Lisa Ferrier