Rhyzobius

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Suborder: Polyphaga
Superfamily: Coccinelloidea
Family: Coccinellidae
Subfamily: Coccidulinae
Tribe: Coccidulini
Genus: Rhyzobius

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Rhyzobius: /rɪˈzoʊbiəs/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Rhyzobius forestieri by wikipedia. Used under a CC0 license.

Coccinelle (Coccinellidae - Coccinella septempunctata) (17137482217) by maxime raynal from France. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Rhyzobius lophanthae view from top by Andreas Sanchez, Yannick Chittaro. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Rhyzobius lophanthae (England, Kent) 1 by Barry Walter. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Rare Coccinellidae (Coleoptera, Coccinelloidea) of Switzerland - Oo 771260 by Andreas Sanchez, Yannick Chittaro. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Rhyzobius lophanthae (England, Kent) 2 by Barry Walter. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Summary

Rhyzobius is a genus of lady beetles (Coccinellidae), known for its role in biological pest control, particularly in managing scale insects. This genus is distributed globally, with 106 recognized species.

Physical Characteristics

1.5-3.7 mm long, often found at the roots of plants.

Identification Tips

Identification may require examination of reproductive characteristics and habitat as they can be small and similar to other beetles.

Habitat

Found at the roots of various plants, including areas where scale insects are present.

Distribution

Species of Rhyzobius can be found almost anywhere on Earth.

Diet

Primarily feed on scale insects (Coccoidea).

Life Cycle

Details on the complete life cycle are not provided, but would typically follow Coleopteran developmental stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult.

Reproduction

Reproduction details not specified in the source material.

Predators

Predators not specifically mentioned; potential predators would include other insects or avian species.

Ecosystem Role

Serve as biological control agents for scale insects, contributing to pest management in agricultural settings.

Economic Impact

Used for biological pest control, particularly of scale insects in agriculture.

Evolution

The genus was first described by James Francis Stephens in 1832 and has undergone some taxonomic scrutiny regarding spelling and classification.

Misconceptions

Rhizobius is an older spell for the same genus but suppressed; may be confused with an obsolete genus of wooly aphids.