Hyperaspis levrati
(Mulsant, 1850)
Levrat's lady beetle
Hyperaspis levrati is a small lady beetle native to North America, recorded from Mexico, Arizona, Texas, and Colorado. measure 2.2–3.0 mm. Males display a yellow margin and lateral area of the pronotum, while females have a black anterior margin with yellow lateral areas. The bear four or sometimes five spots. Like other Hyperaspis , it is a specialized of scale insects.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Hyperaspis levrati: /haɪpəˈræspɪs ˈlɛvrətaɪ/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Distinguished from other Hyperaspis by the specific spot pattern on (four or sometimes five spots) and the pronounced in pronotum coloration. Males have yellow and lateral pronotal margins; females have black anterior margin with yellow lateral areas. Small size (2.2–3.0 mm) helps separate from larger . Larvae, if observed, are covered in white waxy secretions resembling mealybugs but move quickly when disturbed.
Habitat
Associated with -infested trees and shrubs; likely found in woodland edges, urban plantings, and areas where scale insects occur. Specific microhabitat preferences not documented.
Distribution
North America: recorded from Mexico, Arizona, Texas, and Colorado.
Diet
Scale insects (Coccoidea); specific prey records for H. levrati not documented, but Hyperaspis is specialized on scale insects and their .
Host Associations
- scale insects - -level association; specific prey for H. levrati not documented
Life Cycle
Complete . Larvae covered in white waxy secretions produced from lateral glands. and specific developmental timing not documented for this . overwinter in protected locations beneath bark or in leaf litter, based on patterns.
Behavior
and larvae are active of scale insects. Larvae produce waxy coatings that deter ants and other predators. When disturbed, larvae move quickly—unlike sedentary mealybugs they resemble.
Ecological Role
agent; of scale insects that can damage trees and shrubs. Helps regulate of plant-feeding scale insects.
Human Relevance
Beneficial insect for of pests. Frequently misidentified and killed due to larval resemblance to mealybugs. Conservation value in programs.
Similar Taxa
- Hyperaspis spp.Other in share black coloration with spots, but differ in spot number, arrangement, and pronotal patterns
- mealybugs (Pseudococcidae)Larvae are frequently mistaken for mealybugs due to white waxy coating; distinguished by faster movement when disturbed
Misconceptions
Larvae are commonly misidentified as mealybugs or other pests, leading to unnecessary applications that kill these beneficial .
More Details
Taxonomic history
Described by Mulsant in 1850. Part of the diverse Hyperaspis , which contains numerous North American specialized on scale insects.