Scymnus paracanus
This record describes Scymnus paracanus (species). Recorded family: Coccinellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
S. paracanus paracanus - black pronotal spot strongly reduced is somewhat characteristic of this sp., but genitalia must be examined for pos. ID. S. paracanus linearis - extremely elongate, nearly parallel-sided. pronotal black spot may or may not reach the middle of the pronotaum or it may extend to the anterior margin no spmns have been examined that could qualify as intergrades betw. typical paracanus and linearis
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. paracanus paracanus - se US (TX-FL-NC-KS, NY) - Map (dots) S. paracanus linearis - CO to n. AB - Map (stars)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Scymnus (Scymnus) paracanus J. Chapin, 1973 Scymnus (Scymnus) paracanus linearis Gordon, 1976
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Scymnus paracanus. 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 paracanus (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Scymnus paracanus
What is Scymnus paracanus?
Scymnus paracanus is a species in the family Coccinellidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Scymnus paracanus?
S. p. p. : 2.4-2.7 mm S. p. l. : 2.6-3.0 mm
How do you identify Scymnus paracanus?
S. paracanus paracanus - black pronotal spot strongly reduced is somewhat characteristic of this sp., but genitalia must be examined for pos. ID. S. paracanus linearis - extremely elongate, nearly parallel-sided. pronotal black spot may or may not reach the middle of the pronotaum or it may extend to the anterior margin
Where is Scymnus paracanus found?
Range: S. paracanus paracanus - se US (TX-FL-NC-KS, NY) - Map (dots) S. paracanus linearis - CO to n. AB - Map (stars)