[1] As a rare species, the nine-spotted ladybug has received much attention from researchers who wish to understand the causes of its decline and restore the population of this charismatic beetle to benefit from their aphidophagous nature as biocontrol agents in agriculture.

A number of molecular phylogeny studies agree with pre-existing morphology-based relationships that Coccinellidae are a monophyletic group within Cucujiformia in the Cerylonid series, sister to a clade in Endomychidae or Corylophidae.

Two studies presented evidence that Coccinellinae is the only monophyletic subfamily within Coccinellidae, as opposed to Coccidulinae, Epilachninae, Scymninae and Chilocorinae which are paraphyletic groups.

Adult females determine the oviposition sites and eggs are laid in clutches attached to thin branches, leaves, or other surrounding material.

[6][7] In times of general prey scarcity, intraguild predation is shown to increase as eggs are better sources of nutrients crucial for larval development compared to their main diet of aphids.

[8] The nine-spotted ladybeetles are nomadic and can thrive in a great variety of habitats across the continent, based on factors such as aphid or prey density, mate distribution, and seasonal availability of herbaceous material to facilitate breeding.

[9] Within agricultural landscapes, Coccinella novemnotata exist in cotton, alfalfa, corn, and soybean fields as a candidate for biological control of aphids.

In more natural settings, they are found in open areas with shrubbery and small trees (deciduous or coniferous), meadows, prairie grassland, and riparian zones.

[15] A 2015 Canadian report shows larger populations in provinces of British Columbia and Alberta, and smaller sightings in Ontario.

The introduction and establishment of the nonnative Harmonia axyridis (HA) and Coccinella septempunctata (C7) has come to dominate up to 90% of the coccinellid population in some U.S. states.

[14] Pesticides like neonicotinoids and pyrethroid-based regulators have synergistic negative effects on lady beetles if they contact or consume these substances through prey or plant material.

Land heterogeneity, even the introduction and establishment of non-native weeds capable of supporting aphids, combined with their generalism may contribute to their continued presence.