Hyperaspis globula

Casey, 1899

globular lady beetle

Hyperaspis globula is a small lady beetle in the Coccinellidae, commonly known as the globular lady beetle. measure approximately 1.8–2 mm in length. The exhibits in pronotum coloration: males have a yellow border, while females have a black anterior border. It is recorded from Texas and is part of a known for preying on scale insects.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Hyperaspis globula: //haɪˈpɛrəs.pɪs ˈɡloʊ.bjuː.lə//

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Identification

Distinguished from other Hyperaspis by the combination of extremely small size (1.8–2 mm), single yellow discal spot on each , and sexually dimorphic pronotal coloration. The globular body shape and specific pattern of yellow markings on the pronotum separate it from other small coccinellids. Males are distinguished from females by the yellow pronotal border.

Appearance

are minute, measuring 1.80–2 mm in length. The pronotum features a large lateral yellow marking. occurs in the pronotal border: yellow in males, black in females. Each bears one yellow discal spot. The overall body form is globular, consistent with the epithet.

Distribution

Recorded from Texas, North America. Distribution details beyond Texas are not documented in available sources.

Similar Taxa

Other Hyperaspis speciesMany Hyperaspis share black-and-yellow or black-and-red color patterns, but H. globula is distinguished by its minute size, single elytral spot, and specific pronotal pattern with .
Other small CoccinellidaeMinute size and globular shape may resemble other small lady beetles, but the specific pattern of yellow pronotal markings and single elytral spot aid identification.

More Details

Taxonomic history

Described by Casey in 1899. The specific epithet 'globula' refers to the globular body shape.

Genus context

Hyperaspis is a diverse of small lady beetles, many of which are specialized of scale insects. While this feeding habit is well-documented for the genus, specific prey records for H. globula have not been found.