Troglodyte Lady Beetle
Hyperaspis troglodytes
This record describes Hyperaspis troglodytes (species). Recorded family: Coccinellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Gordon's figures Det. R. Gordon, 1986 Black with 5 pale spots on each elytron (wing cover) Male with pale pronotal margin, female with entirely black pronotum Hyperaspis troglodytes is so rare in collections that the possible range of variation cannot be assessed.
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
mostly New England to the Upper Midwest with scattered sc US records - Map (BG data) Karl Stephan reported 9 spmns from Latimer Co., OK
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Hyperaspis troglodytes Mulsant , 1853
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Hyperaspis troglodytes. 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 Troglodyte Lady Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Abigail Parker; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Troglodyte Lady Beetle
What is Troglodyte Lady Beetle?
Troglodyte Lady Beetle (Hyperaspis troglodytes) is a species in the family Coccinellidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Troglodyte Lady Beetle?
Length 2.0 to 2.75 mm
How do you identify Troglodyte Lady Beetle?
Gordon's figures Det. R. Gordon, 1986 Black with 5 pale spots on each elytron (wing cover) Male with pale pronotal margin, female with entirely black pronotum
Where is Troglodyte Lady Beetle found?
Range: mostly New England to the Upper Midwest with scattered sc US records - Map (BG data) Karl Stephan reported 9 spmns from Latimer Co., OK