Postica Lady Beetle
Hyperaspis postica
This record describes Hyperaspis postica (species). Recorded family: Coccinellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Gordon's figures - Elytron with single apical spot varying in size and shape
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
primarily: s.CA to s.BC, but with a few scattered records as far e. as CO and w. TX - Map (BG data)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Hyperaspis postica LeConte, 1880
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Hyperaspis postica. 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 Postica Lady Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tim Loh; Additional contributions by Chuck Entz , Mike Quinn , Abigail Parker
Frequently Asked Questions About Postica Lady Beetle
What is Postica Lady Beetle?
Postica Lady Beetle (Hyperaspis postica) is a species in the family Coccinellidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Postica Lady Beetle?
Length 2.30 to 3.10 mm
How do you identify Postica Lady Beetle?
Gordon's figures - Elytron with single apical spot varying in size and shape
Where is Postica Lady Beetle found?
Range: primarily: s.CA to s.BC, but with a few scattered records as far e. as CO and w. TX - Map (BG data)