Hyperaspis fastidiosa

Casey, 1908

fastidious lady beetle

Hyperaspis fastidiosa is a small lady beetle in the Coccinellidae, commonly known as the fastidious lady beetle. measure 2.10–2.80 mm in length and exhibit in pronotum coloration. The is native to western North America, with records from the Canadian prairies through the western United States. Like other members of the Hyperaspis, it is presumed to be a of scale insects.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Hyperaspis fastidiosa: /haɪˈpɜːrspɪs fæˌstɪdiˈoʊsə/

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Identification

Distinguished from other Hyperaspis by the specific pattern of three large yellow spots on the combined with sexually dimorphic pronotum coloration (yellow with black basal spot in males, black with large yellow lateral area in females). The small size (2.10–2.80 mm) and western North American distribution help separate it from similar eastern species. Larvae, if found, would be covered in white waxy secretions typical of the , but specific larval descriptions for this species are not documented.

Appearance

are small lady beetles, 2.10–2.80 mm in length. Males have a yellow pronotum with a black basal spot. Females have a black pronotum with a large yellow lateral area. The bear three large yellow spots. The overall body form is compact and typical of the Coccinellidae.

Distribution

Recorded from western North America including the Canadian provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan, and the United States states of Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.

Similar Taxa

Other Hyperaspis speciesShare the characteristics of small size, spotted , and insect ; distinguished by specific spot patterns and pronotum coloration details

More Details

Sexual dimorphism

The pronotum coloration differs markedly between males and females, a trait that may aid in mate recognition but whose specific function has not been studied in this .