Hyperaspis oculaticauda
Casey, 1899
eye-tailed lady beetle
Hyperaspis oculaticauda, the -tailed , is a small predatory lady beetle in the . measure 1.80–2.40 mm in length and are characterized by black with a single spot. The is to western North America, with confirmed records from California, Nevada, and Oregon. Like other Hyperaspis species, it is a specialized of .
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 . not described in available sources; other Hyperaspis larvae are , waxy, and -like in appearance.
Distribution
Western North America: recorded from California, Nevada, and Oregon.
Diet
(inferred from -level ; Hyperaspis are specialized ).
Ecological Role
of ; contributes to of .
Human Relevance
Potential 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 are black with spots and predatory on ; Chilocorus are generally larger and have different elytral spot arrangements.