Scymnus marginicollis
This record describes Scymnus marginicollis (species). Recorded family: Coccinellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Gordon's last couplet, pg. 62 Dets. M. A. Quinn, 2025 The black elytra with no pale rear margin, small pronotal spot, mostly-black venter, and black legs make this one of the most distinctive species of Scymnus .
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
sw.CA-ID-BC (+ scattered stray(?) ne records: MI, NY, ON, QC) - Map (Gordon's map based on 1,854 records), most iNat observations from the CA coast the most commonly coll'ed sp. of Pullus in w. N. Amer.
Seasonal Activity
Feb-Nov ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Scymnus (Pullus) marginicollis Mannerheim, 1843
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Scymnus marginicollis. 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 marginicollis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Abigail Parker; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Scymnus marginicollis
What is Scymnus marginicollis?
Scymnus marginicollis is a species in the family Coccinellidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Scymnus marginicollis?
Length: 1.8-2.2 mm
How do you identify Scymnus marginicollis?
Gordon's last couplet, pg. 62 Dets. M. A. Quinn, 2025
Where is Scymnus marginicollis found?
Range: sw.CA-ID-BC (+ scattered stray(?) ne records: MI, NY, ON, QC) - Map (Gordon's map based on 1,854 records), most iNat observations from the CA coast the most commonly coll'ed sp. of Pullus in w. N. Amer.
When is Scymnus marginicollis active?
Scymnus marginicollis: seasonal activity - Feb-Nov ( 3 ).