Helesius nubilans
This record describes Helesius nubilans (species). Recorded family: Coccinellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Gordon's figures Type locality: Brownsville, Cameron Co., Texas known from four spmns, two coll'ed in Brownsville by H. F. Wickham ca. 1897 and one (shown here) coll'ed in San Antonio in 1945, and the fourth from one county east of Lubbock coll'ed in 1969 (also shown here).
Identification notes
Gordon's figures
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Coccinelloidea
- Family
- Coccinellidae (Lady Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Scymninae
- Tribe
- Hyperaspidini
- Genus
- Helesius
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
nr. Lubbock to Brownsville, TX (4 spmns) - Map ,(BG data)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: No host data is on record for any member of this genus...
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Helesius nubilans Casey , 1899
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Helesius nubilans. 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 Helesius nubilans (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by Chuck Entz
Frequently Asked Questions About Helesius nubilans
What is Helesius nubilans?
Helesius nubilans is a species in the family Coccinellidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Helesius nubilans?
Length 2.8 to 3.0 mm
How do you identify Helesius nubilans?
Gordon's figures
Where is Helesius nubilans found?
Range: nr. Lubbock to Brownsville, TX (4 spmns) - Map ,(BG data)
What does Helesius nubilans eat?
The diet of the Helesius nubilans includes No host data is on record for any member of this genus....