Psyllobora
Chevrolat in Dejean, 1836
Fungus-eating Lady Beetles
Species Guides
8- Psyllobora borealis(Western Fairy Lady Beetle)
- Psyllobora nana(Cuban Fairy Lady Beetle)
- Psyllobora parvinotata(Small-spotted Fairy Lady Beetle)
- Psyllobora plagiata(Blotched Fairy Lady Beetle)
- Psyllobora renifer(Kidney-spotted Fairy Lady Beetle)
- Psyllobora schwarzi(Schwarz's Fairy Lady Beetle)
- Psyllobora vigintiduopunctata(22-spot ladybird)
- Psyllobora vigintimaculata(Twenty-spotted Lady Beetle)
Psyllobora is a of small lady beetles in the Coccinellidae, distinguished by their obligate mycophagous diet. Members feed exclusively on powdery mildew fungi (Erysiphales), making them unique among Coccinellidae. The genus is represented in the Western Hemisphere by multiple , with at least 70 described species globally. Psyllobora vigintimaculata and P. vigintiduopunctata are among the most frequently encountered species in North America.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Psyllobora: //sɪˈloʊbərə//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Small, rounded lady beetles with distinctive spot patterns; many have 20 or 22 spots (vigintimaculata = 20-spotted, vigintiduopunctata = 22-spotted). Pale coloration with dark spots, often cream to yellowish base with black markings. Smaller than many common -feeding lady beetles. short, clubbed. Tarsal formula appears 4-4-4 but is actually cryptic 5-5-5.
Images
Habitat
Found in diverse environments supporting powdery mildew fungi, including urban landscapes, gardens, agricultural settings, and natural vegetation. Associated with plants prone to powdery mildew across multiple plant .
Distribution
Widespread in the Western Hemisphere; documented in North America (including California, Kansas, Vermont), Central America, and South America. Also present in Europe (Denmark, Norway, Sweden per GBIF records).
Seasonality
Active from late February through mid-December in temperate regions; presence tied to availability of powdery mildew . habits not well documented but likely as adults in sheltered locations.
Diet
Powdery mildew fungi (Erysiphales); obligate mycophagy. Documented feeding on powdery mildews affecting >25 plant in 13 plant .
Behavior
Aggregates in response to powdery mildew severity, showing a positive numerical relationship between fungal and density. and larvae both feed on mildew.
Ecological Role
Specialized agent of powdery mildew fungi; potentially useful as for mildew presence in horticultural systems.
Human Relevance
Investigated for of powdery mildew in managed landscapes as alternative to chemical . Presence indicates powdery mildew on plants.
Similar Taxa
- HalyziaAlso mycophagous lady beetles in tribe Halyziini; Psyllobora distinguished by Western Hemisphere distribution and specific spot patterns
- Other Coccinellidae (aphid-feeding genera)Psyllobora uniquely feeds on fungi rather than aphids or other insects; spot count and pale coloration help distinguish from predatory lady beetles