Scymnus horni
This record describes Scymnus horni (species). Recorded family: Coccinellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
can usually be ID'ed externally as the black pronotal spot almost never reaches the apical margin of the pronotum, and the legs are always entirely pale. color pattern is extremely stable in this species, the size of the black pronotal spot may very slightly. Dets. R. Gordon extremely common sp. from AZ to w. TX
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
s. CA to c. & s. TX / Mex. - Map (shaded area)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Scymnus (Pullus) horni Gorham, 1897
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Scymnus horni. 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 Scymnus horni (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Scymnus horni
What is Scymnus horni?
Scymnus horni is a species in the family Coccinellidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Scymnus horni?
1.85-2.2 mm
How do you identify Scymnus horni?
can usually be ID'ed externally as the black pronotal spot almost never reaches the apical margin of the pronotum, and the legs are always entirely pale. color pattern is extremely stable in this species, the size of the black pronotal spot may very slightly. Dets. R. Gordon
Where is Scymnus horni found?
Range: s. CA to c. & s. TX / Mex. - Map (shaded area)