Scymnus interruptus
This record describes Scymnus interruptus (species). Recorded family: Coccinellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
A tiny (1.5 to 2.2 mm), hairy ladybird. It is very distinctive, being black with a red triangle on each wing case which reaches the side of the wing case and even extend to the underside edge (the epipleuron). Some also show red around the face area. The legs are brown (c.f. Scymnus frontalis ). Unless identified by a recognised expert, good photos are required that show the key ID features. Also state the size in the comments box. Hedges, bushes and shrubs, often in garden locations. Sometimes associated with ivy. Can be found by beating vegetation such as Ivy during winter. Food: mealybugs and armoured scale insects. Believed to be a recent colonist, probably as a result of climate change. Its stronghold is the south east of England but it is extending its range further north.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Coccinellidae
- Genus
- Scymnus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Hedges, bushes and shrubs, often in garden locations. Sometimes associated with ivy. Can be found by beating vegetation such as Ivy during winter.
Seasonal Activity
All year round.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Food: mealybugs and armoured scale insects.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Believed to be a recent colonist, probably as a result of climate change. Its stronghold is the south east of England but it is extending its range further north.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Scymnus interruptus. 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 interruptus (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Scymnus interruptus
What is Scymnus interruptus?
Scymnus interruptus is a species in the family Coccinellidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Scymnus interruptus found?
Habitat: Hedges, bushes and shrubs, often in garden locations. Sometimes associated with ivy. Can be found by beating vegetation such as Ivy during winter.
When is Scymnus interruptus active?
Scymnus interruptus: seasonal activity - All year round..
What is the life cycle of a Scymnus interruptus?
Food: mealybugs and armoured scale insects.