Four-eyed Lady Beetle
Hyperaspis quadrioculata
This record describes Hyperaspis quadrioculata (species). Recorded family: Coccinellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Gordon's figures Original description of fidelis : Form slightly more broadly oval, convex, polished, black; head black (female), the pronotum with a similar lateral pale margin; elytra similarly rather strongly punctate, with a narrow pale lateral border, which is feebly and broadly sinuate within, in basal two-thirds, a large subtriangular subapical spot and a discal spot twice as long as wide, the centre of which is only very slightly before the middle; under surface black, the abdomen finely, sparsely punctate, the legs all pale red-brown, the metacoxal plate not quite attaining the apex of the segment, which it fully attains in 4-oculata . Length, 2.3 mm; width, 1.6 mm. California (Los Angeles). (Casey 1908)
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
c. & s. CA ‒ Map
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Hyperaspis quadrioculata ( Exochomus quadrioculata Motschulsky 1845)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Hyperaspis quadrioculata. 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 Four-eyed Lady Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Harsi S. Parker; Additional contributions by Chuck Entz , Mike Quinn , v belov , Abigail Parker
Frequently Asked Questions About Four-eyed Lady Beetle
What is Four-eyed Lady Beetle?
Four-eyed Lady Beetle (Hyperaspis quadrioculata) is a species in the family Coccinellidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Four-eyed Lady Beetle?
2.7‒4.0 mm ; some individuals may be smaller; see the original description of the fidelis form in Remarks below.
How do you identify Four-eyed Lady Beetle?
Gordon's figures
Where is Four-eyed Lady Beetle found?
Range: c. & s. CA ‒ Map