California Lady Beetle

Coccinella californica

Unlike many of its cousins, the California Lady Beetle often lacks spots entirely, presenting a solid, brilliant orange-to-red wing cover.

Scientific name: Coccinella californica
Taxonomy: Animalia › Arthropoda › Insecta › Coleoptera › Coccinellidae › Coccinella
IUCN Red List status: Least Concern
Population trend: decreasing
Biome: grassland
Habitat: Grasslands, coastal sage scrub, meadows, and agricultural fields.
Diet: Carnivorous, primarily consuming aphids, scale insects, and mites.
Range: California, Oregon, Washington, British Columbia
Size: 5-8 mm in length
Lifespan: 1-2 years
Active: diurnal
Threats: Competition with invasive lady beetle species, heavy pesticide use, and habitat fragmentation.
Safe to approach?: Harmless and beneficial. If handled, they may release a yellow, bitter fluid (reflex bleeding) that can stain skin and smell unpleasant; wash hands with soap and water. They do not sting and rarely bite.

Coccinella californica is a ladybird beetle found in California commonly known as the California Lady Beetle .

Photo: Randal, CC0, via iNaturalist