Medial Lady Beetle
Hyperaspis medialis
This record describes Hyperaspis medialis (species). Recorded family: Coccinellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Gordon's figures Type locality: Brownsville, Texas
Identification notes
Gordon's figures
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, w. and s. TX - Map AZ: Molino Basin; S. Catalina Mts. TX: Alpine, Brewster Co.; Brownsville, Cameron Co. (Gordon 1985)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Hyperaspis medialis Casey 1899
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Hyperaspis medialis. 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 Medial Lady Beetle (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by Chuck Entz , Abigail Parker
Frequently Asked Questions About Medial Lady Beetle
What is Medial Lady Beetle?
Medial Lady Beetle (Hyperaspis medialis) is a species in the family Coccinellidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Medial Lady Beetle?
Length 2.0 to 2.5 mm
How do you identify Medial Lady Beetle?
Gordon's figures
Where is Medial Lady Beetle found?
Range: se AZ, w. and s. TX - Map AZ: Molino Basin; S. Catalina Mts. TX: Alpine, Brewster Co.; Brownsville, Cameron Co. (Gordon 1985)