Nephaspis oculatus
This record describes Nephaspis oculatus (species). Recorded family: Coccinellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Gordon's figures ( 3 ) Type locality: Dunedin, Florida ( 3 )
Identification notes
Gordon's figures ( 3 )
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Coccinelloidea
- Family
- Coccinellidae (Lady Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Scymninae
- Tribe
- Scymnini
- Genus
- Nephaspis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
southmost TX to FL, w/ scattered records further north - Map - , ; Native to C. Amer.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: predator of Bemisia argentifolii (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) (Liu and Stansly 1996)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: oculatus (L). reference to 'eyes' Live individuals have prominent eyes:
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Nephaspis oculatus. 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 Nephaspis oculatus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Nephaspis oculatus
What is Nephaspis oculatus?
Nephaspis oculatus is a species in the family Coccinellidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Nephaspis oculatus?
Length 1.2 to 1.5 mm ( 3 )
How do you identify Nephaspis oculatus?
Gordon's figures ( 3 )
Where is Nephaspis oculatus found?
Range: southmost TX to FL, w/ scattered records further north - Map - , ; Native to C. Amer.
What does Nephaspis oculatus eat?
The diet of the Nephaspis oculatus includes predator of Bemisia argentifolii (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) (Liu and Stansly 1996).