Hyperaspidius marginatus
This record describes Hyperaspidius marginatus (species). Recorded family: Coccinellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Form oblong, lateral margin of elytron feebly curved. Pronotum of male black or dark brown with nebulous black areas in basal, always with lateral margin narrowly yellow; female pronotum entirely black except anterior angle obscurely yellowish brown. Elytron black except humeral angle obscurely yellowish brown, or with yellow vitta extending from humeral angle to middle (Fig. 3 l 1 d, e), occasional specimens with nebulus brown areas. Gordon's figures PARATYPE Type locality: College Station, Texas
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
Geographic Range
Corpus Christi, TX to se OK - Map (BG data)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Hyperaspidius marginatus. 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 marginatus (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Hyperaspidius marginatus
What is Hyperaspidius marginatus?
Hyperaspidius marginatus is a species in the family Coccinellidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Hyperaspidius marginatus?
Length 1.75 to 2.4 mm
How do you identify Hyperaspidius marginatus?
Form oblong, lateral margin of elytron feebly curved. Pronotum of male black or dark brown with nebulous black areas in basal, always with lateral margin narrowly yellow; female pronotum entirely black except anterior angle obscurely yellowish brown. Elytron black except humeral angle obscurely yellowish brown, or with yellow vitta extending from humeral angle to middle (Fig. 3 l 1 d, e), occasional specimens with nebulus brown areas. Gordon's figures PARATYPE
Where is Hyperaspidius marginatus found?
Range: Corpus Christi, TX to se OK - Map (BG data)