Scymnus loewii
Mulsant, 1850
Loew's Lady Beetle
Scymnus loewii is a minute lady beetle in the Coccinellidae, commonly known as Loew's lady beetle. It is among the smallest members of the family, with measuring under 2.5 mm. The has a broad intercontinental distribution spanning Central America, North America, and Oceania.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Scymnus loewii: //ˈsɪmnəs ˈləʊwi.aɪ//
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Identification
Distinguished from other Scymnus by the combination of small size (< 2.3 mm), reddish brown coloration, and the pronotal black spot that reaches the elytral base. The minute size separates it from most other Coccinellidae .
Images
Appearance
are 1.7–2.3 mm in length. The body is reddish brown overall. The pronotum bears a distinctive black spot that extends to the base of the .
Distribution
Recorded from Central America, North America, and Oceania. Specific regional records include Brazil (Minas Gerais) and Middle America.
Similar Taxa
- Other Scymnus speciesMany share small size and reddish brown coloration; S. loewii is distinguished by the pronotal spot pattern extending to the elytral base.
More Details
Taxonomic note
The specific epithet 'loewii' honors the German entomologist Hermann Loew (1807–1879).