Eye-tailed Lady Beetle
Hyperaspis oculaticauda
This record describes Hyperaspis oculaticauda (species). Recorded family: Coccinellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Gordon's figures - a minature edition of H. postica , having the same dorsal color pattern but is much smaller than H. postica , the maximum observed length of H. oculaticauda being 2.40 mm, the minimum observed length of H. postica being 2.30 mm.
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
s. OR to c. CA - Map (open circle)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Hyperaspis oculaticauda Casey , 1899
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Hyperaspis oculaticauda. 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 Eye-tailed Lady Beetle (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Ken Schneider; Additional contributions by Chuck Entz , Mike Quinn , Abigail Parker
Frequently Asked Questions About Eye-tailed Lady Beetle
What is Eye-tailed Lady Beetle?
Eye-tailed Lady Beetle (Hyperaspis oculaticauda) is a species in the family Coccinellidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Eye-tailed Lady Beetle?
Length 1.80 to 2.40 mm
How do you identify Eye-tailed Lady Beetle?
Gordon's figures - a minature edition of H. postica , having the same dorsal color pattern but is much smaller than H. postica , the maximum observed length of H. oculaticauda being 2.40 mm, the minimum observed length of H. postica being 2.30 mm.
Where is Eye-tailed Lady Beetle found?
Range: s. OR to c. CA - Map (open circle)