Hyperaspis conspirans
Casey, 1908
Hyperaspis conspirans is a small predatory lady beetle in the Coccinellidae. measure approximately 1.90–2.30 mm in length. Males have a black pronotum with a yellow lateral area, while females show a slightly reddened yellow area on the pronotum. The bear three yellow spots. The is known from Arizona and Texas in southwestern North America. Like other members of the Hyperaspis, larvae are covered in white wax secreted from lateral glands, which serves as protection against ants and other while hunting scale insects.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Hyperaspis conspirans: /ˌhaɪpəˈræspɪs kənˈspaɪrənz/
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Identification
Distinguished from similar Hyperaspis by the specific pattern of three yellow spots on and the in pronotum coloration. The small size (under 2.5 mm) and southwestern U.S. distribution help separate it from other spotted lady beetles. Larvae can be distinguished from mealybugs by their rapid movement when disturbed and predatory near insect colonies.
Distribution
Recorded from Arizona and Texas in the southwestern United States.
Diet
Larvae and are predatory on scale insects (Coccidae), including their in waxy egg sacs.
Life Cycle
Larvae develop through instars feeding on scale insects, consuming thousands of during development. occurs in late summer to autumn. overwinter in protected locations beneath bark or in leaf litter, returning to scale-infested trees in spring to reproduce.
Behavior
Larvae produce wax from lateral glands that reduces effectiveness of attacks and other . When hunting, larvae chew holes in sacs, insert their , and consume eggs. and larvae are active of scale insects.
Ecological Role
agent of scale insects; helps regulate of plant-feeding that damage trees and produce honeydew and .
Human Relevance
Beneficial insect for biological pest control. Frequently misidentified and killed due to larval resemblance to mealybugs. Important natural enemy of crapemyrtle bark scale and other pests.
Similar Taxa
- Hyperaspis spp.Other in share waxy larvae and general body plan; distinguished by spot pattern, size, and distribution
- Mealybugs (Pseudococcidae)Larvae strongly resemble mealybugs due to white waxy coating; distinguished by rapid movement when disturbed and predatory association with scale insects
Misconceptions
Larvae are frequently mistaken for mealybugs or other plant pests and killed with , destroying beneficial .