Hyperaspis inedita
Mulsant, 1850
Hyperaspis inedita is a small lady beetle in the Coccinellidae. measure 2.65–3 mm in length. The exhibits in pronotal coloration: males have a yellow margin and lateral area on the pronotum, while females have a black anterior margin with a yellow lateral area. A red spot is present on each . The species is found in the southeastern and central United States.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Hyperaspis inedita: /ˌhaɪpəˈræspɪs ɪnɪˈdaɪtə/
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Identification
are small (2.65–3 mm) black beetles with a red spot on each . The pronotum shows : males have yellow margin and lateral areas, while females have a black anterior margin with yellow lateral areas. This distinguishes it from other Hyperaspis with different spot patterns or pronotal coloration.
Distribution
Recorded from Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Missouri, and North Carolina in the United States.
Similar Taxa
- Hyperaspis spp.Other Hyperaspis share the black body with red or yellow markings, but H. inedita is distinguished by its specific pronotal and single red elytral spot per wing cover. Some species have two spots or different spot arrangements.
- Mealybugs (Pseudococcidae)Larvae of Hyperaspis are covered in white wax and are frequently mistaken for mealybugs, a pest insect. However, Hyperaspis larvae are active that move quickly when disturbed, unlike the sedentary mealybugs.