Whitefly Predatory Lady Beetle
Delphastus pusillus
This record describes Delphastus pusillus (species). Recorded family: Coccinellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Coccinelloidea
- Family
- Coccinellidae (Lady Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Sticholotidinae
- Tribe
- Microweiseini
- Genus
- Delphastus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e. US, Calif. / Mex. - Map
Seasonal Activity
May-Aug (BG data)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: attacks all species and stages of whiteflies, but prefers eggs and nymphs
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Delphastus pusillus (LeConte)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Delphastus pusillus. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Coleoptera is the largest order of insects with over 400,000 described species, representing ~25% of all known animal species and ~40% of all insects. In the U.S. alone, nearly 30,000 beetle species have been identified.
Ecological role of the group
Beetles are prominent decomposers, especially in forests, breaking down dead wood and recycling nutrients. As predators, they reduce populations of pest insects. Many species are also important pollinators of flowering plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Beetles have major economic significance: leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) and weevils (Curculionoidea) are among the most destructive agricultural pests globally, costing billions annually, while predatory species like ladybugs provide natural pest control.
Recorded sources for this group: Britannica, Smithsonian, NCSU Entomology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Whitefly Predatory Lady Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Chuck Entz , Mike Quinn , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Whitefly Predatory Lady Beetle
Where is Whitefly Predatory Lady Beetle found?
Range: e. US, Calif. / Mex. - Map
What does Whitefly Predatory Lady Beetle eat?
The diet of the Whitefly Predatory Lady Beetle includes attacks all species and stages of whiteflies, but prefers eggs and nymphs.
When is Whitefly Predatory Lady Beetle active?
Whitefly Predatory Lady Beetle: seasonal activity - May-Aug (BG data).