Scymnus

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Suborder: Polyphaga
Superfamily: Coccinelloidea
Family: Coccinellidae
Subfamily: Scymninae
Tribe: Scymnini
Genus: Scymnus

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Scymnus: /ˈsɪmnəs/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Scymnus loewii 119021123 by Cole Shoemaker. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Scymnus loewii 180483228 by ncb1221. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

2019 02 25 Scymnus suturalis2 by Slimguy. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Jacobson scymnus suturalis by Georgiy Jacobson. Used under a Public domain license.

Scymnus suturalis by Gilles San Martin. Used under a CC BY-SA 2.0 license.

Scymnus suturalis 287710856 by Gilles San Martin. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Summary

Scymnus is a genus of small beetles that serves as biological control agents of pests like aphids. Identification can be challenging due to morphological similarities among species, and their larvae are notable for their waxy coverings.

Physical Characteristics

Larva is covered with waxy outgrowths, similar to Cryptolaemus. Adults can be difficult to identify to species without genitalia dissection and ventral imaging.

Identification Tips

Identification of adults to species may require genitalia dissection and ventral imaging due to similarities among species.

Habitat

Throughout North America and worldwide.

Distribution

North America and worldwide.

Diet

Primarily feed on aphids and other small soft-bodied insects.

Life Cycle

Details about the life cycle of Scymnus are not provided, but beetles generally undergo complete metamorphosis, including egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages.

Reproduction

Specific reproductive methods for Scymnus are not documented in the provided text.

Ecosystem Role

Members of Scymnus are known to be important biological control agents of agricultural pests, particularly aphids.

Cultural Significance

The genus name 'Scymnus' derives from the Greek word for 'cub' or 'whelp', reflecting a connection to literary and historical figures, notably Scymnus of Chios, a Greek geographer.

Evolution

93 species in two subgenera (Scymnus and Pullus) recognized in the region, with over 200 total species identified globally.

Similar Taxa

Cryptolaemus

Misconceptions

The organization used to separate some species based on color patterns does not accurately reflect taxonomic groups; the same coloration/pattern may comprise species from both subgenera.