Lateral Lady Beetle
Hyperaspis lateralis
This record describes Hyperaspis lateralis (species). Recorded family: Coccinellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Black with 1‒3 red/yellow spots on each elytron; pattern is highly variable , but there is usually a subhumeral spot that extends from base to ~2/5 length of elytron A sizeable population almost always contains 2 or more variants. Pronotum all-black in ♀♀, with a narrow yellow border on apex & sides in ♂♂. H. pinguis (AZ only) may also have a long subhumeral spot, but both sexes have broad yellow pronotal markings.
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
on Cupressaceae
Geographic Range
BC‒AB to CA‒LA; FL; Mexico ; most abundant Hyperaspis in Alberta
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Homoptera, incl. mealybugs and scale insects.
Life History
Eggs are laid singly on bark or twigs near mealybug or scale insect colonies. In the spring this species goes through four larval instars - the usual number for lady beetles. In the fall, it can speed up metamorphosis by going through only three larval instars (MacKenzie 1932).
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Hyperaspis lateralis Mulsant 1850
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Hyperaspis lateralis. 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 Lateral Lady Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Abigail Parker; Additional contributions by Chuck Entz , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Lateral Lady Beetle
What is Lateral Lady Beetle?
Lateral Lady Beetle (Hyperaspis lateralis) is a species in the family Coccinellidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Lateral Lady Beetle?
2.5‒3.8 mm
How do you identify Lateral Lady Beetle?
Black with 1‒3 red/yellow spots on each elytron; pattern is highly variable , but there is usually a subhumeral spot that extends from base to ~2/5 length of elytron A sizeable population almost always contains 2 or more variants. Pronotum all-black in ♀♀, with a narrow yellow border on apex & sides in ♂♂. H. pinguis (AZ only) may also have a long subhumeral spot, but both sexes have broad yellow pronotal markings.
Where is Lateral Lady Beetle found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | on Cupressaceae |
| Range | BC‒AB to CA‒LA; FL; Mexico ; most abundant Hyperaspis in Alberta |
What does Lateral Lady Beetle eat?
The diet of the Lateral Lady Beetle includes Homoptera, incl. mealybugs and scale insects..
What is the life cycle of a Lateral Lady Beetle?
Eggs are laid singly on bark or twigs near mealybug or scale insect colonies. In the spring this species goes through four larval instars - the usual number for lady beetles. In the fall, it can speed up metamorphosis by going through only three larval instars (MacKenzie 1932).