Apicanus Lady Beetle
Scymnus apicanus
This record describes Scymnus apicanus (species). Recorded family: Coccinellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Scymnus a. apicanus : no spmns examined w/ pronotum mostly black, the median black spot is somewhat var. in size Scymnus a. borealis : median black pronotal spot often approaches the anterior margin of the pronotum. the diff. betw. apicanus and borealis is very striking and one would not suspect a close relationship to exist based on external appearance. if intergrades do not occur, then borealis should be considered a valid sp.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Coccinelloidea
- Family
- Coccinellidae (Lady Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Scymninae
- Tribe
- Scymnini
- Genus
- Scymnus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Scymnus a. apicanus : e. US to ND - Map (dots) ( 3 ) Scymnus a. borealis : c. AB to sw MB, sw CO - Map (stars) ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Scymnus a. apicanus Chapin, 1973 Scymnus a. borealis Gordon, 1976
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Scymnus apicanus. 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 Apicanus Lady Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Guy A. Hanley; Additional contributions by Chuck Entz , Mike Quinn , Abigail Parker
Frequently Asked Questions About Apicanus Lady Beetle
What is Apicanus Lady Beetle?
Apicanus Lady Beetle (Scymnus apicanus) is a species in the family Coccinellidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Apicanus Lady Beetle?
Scymnus a. apicanus : 2.2-2.7 mm Scymnus a. borealis : 2.5-3.0 mm
How do you identify Apicanus Lady Beetle?
Scymnus a. apicanus : no spmns examined w/ pronotum mostly black, the median black spot is somewhat var. in size Scymnus a. borealis : median black pronotal spot often approaches the anterior margin of the pronotum. the diff. betw. apicanus and borealis is very striking and one would not suspect a close relationship to exist based on external appearance. if intergrades do not occur, then borealis should be considered a valid sp.
Where is Apicanus Lady Beetle found?
Range: Scymnus a. apicanus : e. US to ND - Map (dots) ( 3 ) Scymnus a. borealis : c. AB to sw MB, sw CO - Map (stars) ( 3 )