Eight-spotted Lady Beetle
Hyperaspis octonotata
This record describes Hyperaspis octonotata (species). Recorded family: Coccinellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Gordon's figures - Unique arrangement of elytral spots and shape of the discal spot
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
sw US to southmost TX - Map (Type locality: AZ)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: octonotata (L). 'eight-spotted' a reference to the four spots on each elytron:
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Hyperaspis octonotata. 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 Eight-spotted Lady Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by Chuck Entz , v belov , Abigail Parker
Frequently Asked Questions About Eight-spotted Lady Beetle
What is Eight-spotted Lady Beetle?
Eight-spotted Lady Beetle (Hyperaspis octonotata) is a species in the family Coccinellidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Eight-spotted Lady Beetle?
2.3-3.5 mm
How do you identify Eight-spotted Lady Beetle?
Gordon's figures - Unique arrangement of elytral spots and shape of the discal spot
Where is Eight-spotted Lady Beetle found?
Range: sw US to southmost TX - Map (Type locality: AZ)