Lady, Fungus, Scavenger, and Bark Beetles (Superfamily Coccinelloidea)

Coccinelloidea is a superfamily of beetles within the infraorder Cucujiformia (Order Coleoptera), best known for containing the lady beetles or ladybirds. Although less species-rich than some other cucujiform superfamilies, Coccinelloidea is ecologically significant and widely distributed across terrestrial habitats worldwide, from temperate to tropical regions.

Members of Coccinelloidea are typically small to medium-sized beetles with compact, often hemispherical or oval bodies. The head is usually partially concealed beneath the pronotum, and the elytra are strongly convex, covering most or all of the abdomen. Antennae are generally short and clubbed, and the mouthparts are adapted for chewing. Coloration is often bright and conspicuous, commonly featuring red, orange, or yellow backgrounds with black spots or patterns, serving as aposematic (warning) coloration.

The superfamily includes several families, most notably Coccinellidae (lady beetles), along with smaller and less familiar families such as Endomychidae, Corylophidae, and related lineages, depending on classification. While feeding habits vary among families, many members are predatory, particularly on soft-bodied arthropods such as aphids, scale insects, and mites. Other species are fungivorous or feed on pollen, nectar, or plant material.

Larvae of Coccinelloidea are typically elongate and often bear spines or tubercles. In predatory species, larvae are active hunters and play a major role in regulating populations of agricultural pests. Both larval and adult stages in many groups contribute to biological control in natural and managed ecosystems.

Ecologically, Coccinelloidea is especially important due to the beneficial role of many species as natural enemies of crop pests. Lady beetles are among the most widely recognized and economically valuable insects used in integrated pest management programs. The combination of distinctive morphology, diverse feeding strategies, and strong ecological impact makes Coccinelloidea a notable and well-studied superfamily within the beetles.