Beneficial insects
Thirteen-Spotted Lady Beetle
Order: Coleoptera (beetles)
Family: Coccinellidae (lady beetles)
▶Scientific name: Hippodamia tredecimpunctata (Linnaeus)
▶English name: Thirteen-spotted lady beetle
▶Size: 5.5-6mm
▶Host/prey: Various aphids
The adult measures about 6 mm in length, with a body that is narrow and elongated. The pronotum is pale yellow on both sides, with a black central area forming a large spot-like pattern. The elytra are yellowish-red with a bright scarlet tint. Each elytron bears a symmetrical arrangement of 13 black spots. Compared to most lady beetles, this species has relatively long legs, which are visible beyond the body outline when viewed from above. The legs on the underside of the abdomen are mostly black, while the tibiae show a yellowish-brown color.
This species undergoes complete metamorphosis, passing through egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages. Both larvae and adults primarily feed on aphids. They inhabit areas such as riverbanks and semi-wetlands, especially where reed grasses grow. Adults overwinter, and within Korea their population density tends to be relatively low.
[Source: Doosan Encyclopedia]