Undulate Lady Beetle
Hyperaspis undulata
This record describes Hyperaspis undulata (species). Recorded family: Coccinellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Gordon's figures - Form elongate, oval, moderately convex. Elytron black with complete, irregular, lateral villa, or with vitta broken to form apical spot. Type locality: Missouri
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
northern half US and s. Can. - Map , but also OK & LA (BG data)
Seasonal Activity
Apr-July (BG data)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: undulata (L). "waved", referring to the wavy ("undulate") lines.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Hyperaspis undulata. 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 Undulate Lady Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Boris Büche; Additional contributions by Chuck Entz , Mike Quinn , Abigail Parker
Frequently Asked Questions About Undulate Lady Beetle
What is Undulate Lady Beetle?
Undulate Lady Beetle (Hyperaspis undulata) is a species in the family Coccinellidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Undulate Lady Beetle?
Length 1.80 to 2.75 mm
How do you identify Undulate Lady Beetle?
Gordon's figures - Form elongate, oval, moderately convex. Elytron black with complete, irregular, lateral villa, or with vitta broken to form apical spot.
Where is Undulate Lady Beetle found?
Range: northern half US and s. Can. - Map , but also OK & LA (BG data)
When is Undulate Lady Beetle active?
Undulate Lady Beetle: seasonal activity - Apr-July (BG data).