Hyperaspis oculifera
Casey, 1908
Hyperaspis oculifera is a small lady beetle in the Coccinellidae, recorded from Arizona. measure 2.0–2.6 mm in length. The species exhibits in pronotal coloration: males have yellow margins and lateral areas of the pronotum, while females have a black anterior margin with yellow lateral areas. Each bears a yellow spot. As a member of the Hyperaspis, it is likely a of scale insects, though specific prey records for this species are not documented.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Hyperaspis oculifera: /haɪˈpɛr.əs.pɪs ˌɒkjuˈlɪf.ərə/
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 pattern of in pronotal coloration: males with yellow margin and lateral pronotal areas, females with black anterior margin and yellow lateral areas, combined with a single yellow spot on each . The small size (2.0–2.6 mm) and Arizona distribution help narrow identification. Separation from other small spotted lady beetles requires examination of these specific color patterns.
Appearance
are small beetles, 2.0–2.6 mm in length. The pronotum shows distinct : in males, the margin and lateral areas are yellow; in females, the anterior margin is black with yellow lateral areas. The are black with a yellow spot on each. The overall body form is compact and typical of lady beetles.
Distribution
Recorded from Arizona, United States. The is part of the North American fauna of the Hyperaspis.
Similar Taxa
- Other Hyperaspis speciesShare general body form, small size, and spotted coloration; distinguished by specific spot patterns and pronotal coloration details
- Generalist lady beetles in CoccinellidaeSimilar compact body shape and size range; require close examination of color patterns and genitalia for definitive identification
More Details
Taxonomic note
Described by Casey in 1908. The epithet 'oculifera' refers to the -like (ocellate) appearance of the elytral spots.
Genus context
Hyperaspis is a of small lady beetles commonly known as 'waxy lady beetles' due to the waxy coating produced by larvae. Larvae of Hyperaspis are of scale insects and are frequently mistaken for or other pests, leading to unnecessary mortality from applications. While this specific is well-documented for the genus, direct observations for H. oculifera specifically have not been published.