Rhyzobius lophanthae

Classification

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

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Rhyzobius lophanthae: //raɪˈzoʊbiəs loʊˈfæntiː//

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

Images

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.

Lindorus-lophanthae-01-fws by Francisco Welter-Schultes. Used under a CC0 license.

Rhyzobius lophanthae (England, Kent) 3 by Barry Walter. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Summary

Rhyzobius lophanthae, commonly known as the purple scale predator, is a ladybird species introduced to the southern United States for pest control, primarily targeting scale insects.

Physical Characteristics

Length 1.7 to 2.85 mm, Width 1.35 to 2.0 mm. Elytra dark, often slightly metallic bronze, with paler red-brown pronotum. Underside entirely red-brown. Densely pubescent with two lengths of setae, giving a dusty appearance. The larvae are dark brown and are clad in stout spines.

Identification Tips

Can only be confused with Scymnus; however, Rhyzobius lophanthae has long antennae, densely pubescent body, and differing hair lengths that trap debris.

Habitat

Native to Queensland and Southern Australia; introduced in California and has spread over much of the southern United States and is also found in Europe.

Distribution

Originally from Queensland and Southern Australia; established in California in 1892 for control of olive scale (Saissetia oleae); present in much of the southern United States.

Diet

Both adults and larvae feed primarily on various species of Coccidae, especially on diaspines and mealybugs.

Life Cycle

Undergoes five to seven generations per year; does not undergo diapause; high mobility and rapid development.

Reproduction

High fecundity; specific reproductive behaviors not detailed in the provided material.

Ecosystem Role

Considered an important natural enemy of many species of armored scale, contributing to biological pest control.

Economic Impact

Introduced for the control of agricultural pests; effective in reducing the numbers of pest scale insects in crops.

Evolution

First described in California in 1892; Blaisdell's name took precedence over Blackburn's due to publication timing.

Similar Taxa

Scymnus

Misconceptions

It was initially thought to be a native species in the United States, but is actually an introduced species from Australia.