Pharoscymnus flexibilis
This record describes Pharoscymnus flexibilis (species). Recorded family: Coccinellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
very distinctive yet variable in pattern earliest record in our area: FL 2011 It is likely that it was transported on scale-infested plants from Asia or Brazil.
Identification notes
very distinctive yet variable in pattern
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Coccinelloidea
- Family
- Coccinellidae (Lady Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Sticholotidinae
- Tribe
- Microweiseini
- Genus
- Pharoscymnus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
adventive in s. FL (Broward and Miami-Dade Cos.) and Brazil, native to India & adjacent countries
Seasonal Activity
Feb-Sep in FL
Diet and Behavior
Diet: mainly Coccoidea, to some extent whiteflies and aphids
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Pharoscymnus flexibilis (Mulsant 1853)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Pharoscymnus flexibilis. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pharoscymnus flexibilis
What is Pharoscymnus flexibilis?
Pharoscymnus flexibilis is a species in the family Coccinellidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Pharoscymnus flexibilis?
1.8-2.2 mm
How do you identify Pharoscymnus flexibilis?
very distinctive yet variable in pattern
Where is Pharoscymnus flexibilis found?
Range: adventive in s. FL (Broward and Miami-Dade Cos.) and Brazil, native to India & adjacent countries
What does Pharoscymnus flexibilis eat?
The diet of the Pharoscymnus flexibilis includes mainly Coccoidea, to some extent whiteflies and aphids.
When is Pharoscymnus flexibilis active?
Pharoscymnus flexibilis: seasonal activity - Feb-Sep in FL.