Twin-spotted Lady Beetle
Hyperaspis gemina
This record describes Hyperaspis gemina (species). Recorded family: Coccinellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Gordon't figures distinctive apically bi-spotted elytra, yellow head (both sexes), and broad lateral yellow area on the pronotum (both sexes). Gordon also states that this rarely collected species is unusual in having the clypeal apex truncate and the head yellow in both sexes.
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
GA to VA - Map , plus OK (half dozen Latimer Co. spmns det. Gordon, 1986)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Hyperaspis gemina LeConte 1880
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Hyperaspis gemina. 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 Twin-spotted Lady Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tim Moyer; Additional contributions by Chuck Entz , Mike Quinn , Abigail Parker
Frequently Asked Questions About Twin-spotted Lady Beetle
What is Twin-spotted Lady Beetle?
Twin-spotted Lady Beetle (Hyperaspis gemina) is a species in the family Coccinellidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Twin-spotted Lady Beetle?
2.8-4.0mm
How do you identify Twin-spotted Lady Beetle?
Gordon't figures distinctive apically bi-spotted elytra, yellow head (both sexes), and broad lateral yellow area on the pronotum (both sexes). Gordon also states that this rarely collected species is unusual in having the clypeal apex truncate and the head yellow in both sexes.
Where is Twin-spotted Lady Beetle found?
Range: GA to VA - Map , plus OK (half dozen Latimer Co. spmns det. Gordon, 1986)