Fastidious Lady Beetle
Hyperaspis fastidiosa
This record describes Hyperaspis fastidiosa (species). Recorded family: Coccinellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Gordon's Figures - The elongate marginal spot on the elytron along with the less convex form distinguish H. fastidiosa from the other members of this group. Type locality: San Diego Co., California
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
Geographic Range
w. N. Amer: CA-NM-AB-BC - Map (open circles) (BG data), records w. of the Continental Divide
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Hyperaspis fastidiosa Casey 1908
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Hyperaspis fastidiosa. 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 Fastidious Lady Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Guy A. Hanley; Additional contributions by Chuck Entz , Mike Quinn , Abigail Parker
Frequently Asked Questions About Fastidious Lady Beetle
What is Fastidious Lady Beetle?
Fastidious Lady Beetle (Hyperaspis fastidiosa) is a species in the family Coccinellidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Fastidious Lady Beetle?
2.10 to 2.80 mm
How do you identify Fastidious Lady Beetle?
Gordon's Figures - The elongate marginal spot on the elytron along with the less convex form distinguish H. fastidiosa from the other members of this group.
Where is Fastidious Lady Beetle found?
Range: w. N. Amer: CA-NM-AB-BC - Map (open circles) (BG data), records w. of the Continental Divide