Hyperaspidius hardyi
This record describes Hyperaspidius hardyi (species). Recorded family: Coccinellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Gordon's figures - This species has the facies of a member of Hyperaspis rather than Hyperaspidius because of the round, convex body shape. On that basis alone this species is quite distinctive, also the coarse punctures on the elytron are confined to the median brown vitta, which I (Gordon) have not observed in any other Hyperaspidius species. I name this species for on the collector of the type series.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Coccinelloidea
- Family
- Coccinellidae (Lady Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Scymninae
- Tribe
- Hyperaspidini
- Genus
- Hyperaspidius
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
sand dunes
Geographic Range
Southeast CA. Reported from Cadiz Dunes, Sand Bernardino Co., and north of Palm Springs CA - Map (squares)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Hyperaspidius hardyi Gordon, 1985 Hardy coll'ed the type series
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Hyperaspidius hardyi. 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 Hyperaspidius hardyi (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tim Moyer; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Hyperaspidius hardyi
What is Hyperaspidius hardyi?
Hyperaspidius hardyi is a species in the family Coccinellidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Hyperaspidius hardyi?
2.10 to 3.0 mm
How do you identify Hyperaspidius hardyi?
Gordon's figures - This species has the facies of a member of Hyperaspis rather than Hyperaspidius because of the round, convex body shape. On that basis alone this species is quite distinctive, also the coarse punctures on the elytron are confined to the median brown vitta, which I (Gordon) have not observed in any other Hyperaspidius species. I name this species for on the collector of the type series.
Where is Hyperaspidius hardyi found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | sand dunes |
| Range | Southeast CA. Reported from Cadiz Dunes, Sand Bernardino Co., and north of Palm Springs CA - Map (squares) |