Weise's Lady Beetle
Hyperaspis weisei
This record describes Hyperaspis weisei (species). Recorded family: Coccinellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Gordon's figures LECTOTYPE Described by Schaeffer from two specimens, both females, collected by Ottomar Dietz at Brownsville, Cameron Co., TX.
Identification notes
Gordon's figures LECTOTYPE
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
s. & w. TX - Map known from Cameron, Duval, Hidalgo, and Jeff Davis counties (BG data)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Hyperaspis weisei Schaeffer 1908
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Hyperaspis weisei. 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 Weise's Lady Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by Chuck Entz , Abigail Parker
Frequently Asked Questions About Weise's Lady Beetle
What is Weise's Lady Beetle?
Weise's Lady Beetle (Hyperaspis weisei) is a species in the family Coccinellidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Weise's Lady Beetle?
Length 2.25 mm
How do you identify Weise's Lady Beetle?
Gordon's figures LECTOTYPE
Where is Weise's Lady Beetle found?
Range: s. & w. TX - Map known from Cameron, Duval, Hidalgo, and Jeff Davis counties (BG data)