Scymnus louisianae
This record describes Scymnus louisianae (species). Recorded family: Coccinellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
black pronotal spot not extending [laterally??] beyond the middle of the pronotum one of the most common Scymnus sp. in the TAMUIC .
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
se US to AZ, mostly: TX-LA , with scattered records from AZ, OK, FL, VA, TN - Map , ,
Seasonal Activity
May-Oct ( 6 )
Diet and Behavior
Life History
on Canada lettuce - Lactuca canadensis (Asteraceae) infested with Uroleucon pseudambrosiae (Aphididae), also on crape myrtle and pyracantha infested with aphids ( 6 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Scymnus louisianae J. Chapin
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Scymnus louisianae. 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 louisianae (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Scymnus louisianae
What is Scymnus louisianae?
Scymnus louisianae is a species in the family Coccinellidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Scymnus louisianae?
2.11 to 2.58 mm
How do you identify Scymnus louisianae?
black pronotal spot not extending [laterally??] beyond the middle of the pronotum
Where is Scymnus louisianae found?
Range: se US to AZ, mostly: TX-LA , with scattered records from AZ, OK, FL, VA, TN - Map , ,
When is Scymnus louisianae active?
Scymnus louisianae: seasonal activity - May-Oct ( 6 ).
What is the life cycle of a Scymnus louisianae?
on Canada lettuce - Lactuca canadensis (Asteraceae) infested with Uroleucon pseudambrosiae (Aphididae), also on crape myrtle and pyracantha infested with aphids ( 6 )