Hyperaspidius venustulus
This record describes Hyperaspidius venustulus (species). Recorded family: Coccinellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Gordon's Figure - Pronotum yellowish red, elytron black with 4 yellow spots. considered to be rare ( comment by Michael C. Thomas, 2008 )
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
Long series of adults (43) coll'ed from grasses, mainly big cordgrass Spartina cynosuroides (Poaceae), in or near brackish marshes and along tidal waterways. ( 3 )
Geographic Range
South Carolina to southern Florida.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Associated with the Mealybug Dysmicoccus dennoi Kosztarab on Big Cordgrass, Spartina cynosuroides (Poaceae) ( 3 )
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Hyperaspidius venustulus. 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 venustulus (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Chuck Entz , Mike Quinn , Maury Heiman , Abigail Parker
Frequently Asked Questions About Hyperaspidius venustulus
What is Hyperaspidius venustulus?
Hyperaspidius venustulus is a species in the family Coccinellidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Hyperaspidius venustulus?
Length 2.8 mm, width 1.85 mm
How do you identify Hyperaspidius venustulus?
Gordon's Figure - Pronotum yellowish red, elytron black with 4 yellow spots.
Where is Hyperaspidius venustulus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Long series of adults (43) coll'ed from grasses, mainly big cordgrass Spartina cynosuroides (Poaceae), in or near brackish marshes and along tidal waterways. ( 3 ) |
| Range | South Carolina to southern Florida. |
What is the life cycle of a Hyperaspidius venustulus?
Associated with the Mealybug Dysmicoccus dennoi Kosztarab on Big Cordgrass, Spartina cynosuroides (Poaceae) ( 3 )