Hyperaspis signata

(Olivier, 1808)

Red-spotted Sigil complex

Species Guides

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Hyperaspis signata is a of lady beetle in the Coccinellidae, found in North America from Massachusetts to Florida and west to Wisconsin and Texas. are small (2.6–4.0 mm), with males displaying yellow and lateral margins on the pronotum. The bear one or two yellow or red spots. The species includes two recognized : H. s. signata (eastern) and H. s. bicentralis (Oklahoma and Texas).

Twice-stabbed Sigil Lady Beetle Hyperaspis signata by WanderingMogwai. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Hyperaspis signata: /haɪˈpɛr.æspɪs sɪɡˈneɪtə/

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Identification

Distinguished from other Hyperaspis by the combination of small size, male pronotum with yellow and lateral margins, and elytral pattern of one or two yellow or red spots. bicentralis is smaller than the nominate subspecies and restricted to Oklahoma and Texas. The Hyperaspis itself is recognizable by the waxy covering produced by larvae, which resembles mealybugs— are needed for definitive species identification.

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Appearance

are small lady beetles measuring 2.60–4.0 mm in length for the nominate , and 2.60–3.25 mm for subspecies bicentralis. The pronotum of males has distinctive yellow and lateral margins. The display one or two yellow or red spots. The overall body coloration is predominantly black with contrasting spot patterns.

Distribution

Eastern North America, recorded from Massachusetts to Florida, west to Wisconsin and east Texas. Hyperaspis signata signata occurs from Massachusetts to Florida and west to Wisconsin and east Texas; subspecies H. s. bicentralis is found in Oklahoma and Texas.

Similar Taxa

  • Other Hyperaspis speciesMany Hyperaspis share similar black coloration with red or yellow spots; H. signata is distinguished by specific spot patterns on the (one or two spots) and male pronotum characteristics.
  • Mealybugs (Pseudococcidae)Hyperaspis larvae are frequently mistaken for mealybugs due to their white waxy covering; larvae can be distinguished by their more active movement when disturbed.

More Details

Subspecies

Two are recognized: Hyperaspis signata signata (Olivier, 1808) distributed across the eastern range, and Hyperaspis signata bicentralis Casey, 1899 restricted to Oklahoma and Texas.

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