Hyperaspis oculaticauda
Casey, 1899
eye-tailed lady beetle
Hyperaspis oculaticauda, the -tailed lady beetle, is a small predatory lady beetle in the Coccinellidae. measure 1.80–2.40 mm in length and are characterized by black with a single spot. The is native to western North America, with confirmed records from California, Nevada, and Oregon. Like other Hyperaspis species, it is a specialized of scale insects.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Hyperaspis oculaticauda: /haɪˌpɛrˈæspɪs ˌɒkjʊlætɪˈkɔːdə/
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 single spot on black ; some have multiple spots or different spot patterns. Extremely small size (under 2.5 mm) separates it from larger lady beetle . Larvae not described in available sources; other Hyperaspis larvae are white, waxy, and mealybug-like in appearance.
Distribution
Western North America: recorded from California, Nevada, and Oregon.
Diet
Scale insects (inferred from -level ; Hyperaspis are specialized ).
Ecological Role
of scale insects; contributes to of .
Human Relevance
Potential beneficial insect for of pests in ornamental and agricultural settings, though specific applications for this not documented.
Similar Taxa
- Hyperaspis spp.Other in share small size, black coloration with spot patterns; H. oculaticauda distinguished by single spot configuration.
- Chilocorus spp.Some Chilocorus lady beetles are black with spots and predatory on ; Chilocorus are generally larger and have different elytral spot arrangements.