Little Brown Mealybug Destroyer
Nephus sordidus
This record describes Nephus sordidus (species). Recorded family: Coccinellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
apex of elytron with dark brown area extending forward along suture and along lateral border, sutural margin obscurely darker that rest of elytron Det. M. A. Quinn, 2016 Type Locality: California
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Coccinelloidea
- Family
- Coccinellidae (Lady Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Scymninae
- Tribe
- Scymnini
- Genus
- Nephus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
w.NA to w.TX - Map ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Nephus (Scymnobius) sordidus (Horn)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Nephus sordidus. 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 Little Brown Mealybug Destroyer (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Devin Carroll; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Chuck Entz , Mike Quinn , v belov , Abigail Parker
Frequently Asked Questions About Little Brown Mealybug Destroyer
What is Little Brown Mealybug Destroyer?
Little Brown Mealybug Destroyer (Nephus sordidus) is a species in the family Coccinellidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Little Brown Mealybug Destroyer?
apex of elytron with dark brown area extending forward along suture and along lateral border, sutural margin obscurely darker that rest of elytron Det. M. A. Quinn, 2016
Where is Little Brown Mealybug Destroyer found?
Range: w.NA to w.TX - Map ( 3 )