Hyperaspis schaefferi
This record describes Hyperaspis schaefferi (species). Recorded family: Coccinellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Gordon's figures PARATYPE Type Locality: Esperanza Ranch, Brownsville, Cameron Co., Texas, VII.30
Identification notes
Gordon's figures PARATYPE
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
TX Coastal Plain (Brownsville, Benavides, Goliad and Columbus, TX - Map - (Black stars going up the TX coast) (BG data)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Patronym for Charles Schaeffer (1860-1934) who collected most of the type series.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Hyperaspis schaefferi. 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 Hyperaspis schaefferi (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by Chuck Entz , Abigail Parker
Frequently Asked Questions About Hyperaspis schaefferi
What is Hyperaspis schaefferi?
Hyperaspis schaefferi is a species in the family Coccinellidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Hyperaspis schaefferi?
Length 2.2 to 2.8 mm
How do you identify Hyperaspis schaefferi?
Gordon's figures PARATYPE
Where is Hyperaspis schaefferi found?
Range: TX Coastal Plain (Brownsville, Benavides, Goliad and Columbus, TX - Map - (Black stars going up the TX coast) (BG data)