Levrat's Lady Beetle
Hyperaspis levrati
This record describes Hyperaspis levrati (species). Recorded family: Coccinellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Elytron with 4 or 5 spots, normally 4 but subhumeral spot often divided Gordon's Fig. 373 d Unique dorsal color pattern- each elytron w/ 3 yellow discal spots including 1 close to the scutellum. Type locality: Mexique
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
se AZ, sw TX, CO(?) / Mex. - Map (dots)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Named after Gustave Levrat, a doctor who was an entomological colleague and a fellow member of the Société linnéenne de Lyon (Linnaean Society of Lyon).
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Hyperaspis levrati. 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 Levrat's Lady Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tim Loh; Additional contributions by Chuck Entz , Mike Quinn , Abigail Parker
Frequently Asked Questions About Levrat's Lady Beetle
What is Levrat's Lady Beetle?
Levrat's Lady Beetle (Hyperaspis levrati) is a species in the family Coccinellidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Levrat's Lady Beetle?
2.2-3 mm
How do you identify Levrat's Lady Beetle?
Elytron with 4 or 5 spots, normally 4 but subhumeral spot often divided Gordon's Fig. 373 d Unique dorsal color pattern- each elytron w/ 3 yellow discal spots including 1 close to the scutellum.
Where is Levrat's Lady Beetle found?
Range: se AZ, sw TX, CO(?) / Mex. - Map (dots)