Hyperaspis bolteri
This record describes Hyperaspis bolteri (species). Recorded family: Coccinellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Gordon's figures - The highly distinctive color pattern and extremely dull pronotal surface characterize this species. Type Locality: Illinois
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Coccinelloidea
- Family
- Coccinellidae (Lady Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Scymninae
- Tribe
- Hyperaspidini
- Genus
- Hyperaspis (Sigil Lady Beetles)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
collected in a native tallgrass prairie in Missouri (BG data)
Geographic Range
KS-MO-IL-IN - Map (MO record, posted here, appears to be a new state record)
Seasonal Activity
short series collected April 29-June 4 in northern Illinois ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Hyperaspis bolteri LeConte, 1880 Patronym for Andreas Bolter, 19th-century insect collector who assembled one of the largest private collections of beetles in the world.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Hyperaspis bolteri. 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 Hyperaspis bolteri (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Hyperaspis bolteri
What is Hyperaspis bolteri?
Hyperaspis bolteri is a species in the family Coccinellidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Hyperaspis bolteri?
3.0 - 3.25 mm
How do you identify Hyperaspis bolteri?
Gordon's figures - The highly distinctive color pattern and extremely dull pronotal surface characterize this species.
Where is Hyperaspis bolteri found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | collected in a native tallgrass prairie in Missouri (BG data) |
| Range | KS-MO-IL-IN - Map (MO record, posted here, appears to be a new state record) |
When is Hyperaspis bolteri active?
Hyperaspis bolteri: seasonal activity - short series collected April 29-June 4 in northern Illinois ( 3 ).