Hyperaspis conspirans
Casey, 1908
Hyperaspis conspirans is a small predatory in the . measure approximately 1.90–2.30 mm in length. Males have a black with a 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, are covered in secreted from lateral glands, which serves as protection against and other while hunting .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Hyperaspis conspirans: /ˌhaɪpəˈræspɪs kənˈspaɪrənz/
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Identification
Distinguished from similar Hyperaspis by the specific pattern of three spots on and the in coloration. The small size (under 2.5 mm) and southwestern U.S. distribution help separate it from other spotted . can be distinguished from by their rapid movement when disturbed and predatory near colonies.
Distribution
Recorded from Arizona and Texas in the southwestern United States.
Diet
and are predatory on (), including their in waxy egg sacs.
Life Cycle
develop through feeding on , 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
produce from 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 .
Ecological Role
agent of ; helps regulate of -feeding that damage trees and produce and .
Human Relevance
for biological pest control. Frequently misidentified and killed due to larval resemblance to . Important of crapemyrtle bark and other scale pests.
Similar Taxa
- Hyperaspis spp.Other in share waxy and general body plan; distinguished by spot pattern, size, and distribution
- Mealybugs (Pseudococcidae) strongly resemble due to waxy coating; distinguished by rapid movement when disturbed and predatory association with
Misconceptions
are frequently mistaken for or other pests and killed with , destroying .