Cephaloscymnus zimmermanni
Crotch, 1873
Zimmermann's lady beetle
Species Guides
2Cephaloscymnus zimmermanni is a minute lady beetle in the Coccinellidae. measure approximately 2.15–2.40 mm in length with a dark to black body. The occurs in eastern North America, with records from Washington D.C., Ohio, Indiana, Maryland, New Jersey, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. It belongs to the Scymninae, a group of small predatory lady beetles.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Cephaloscymnus zimmermanni: /ˌsɛfəloʊˈsaɪmnəs ˌzɪmɚˈmæni/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
The minute size (under 2.5 mm) and uniformly dark coloration distinguish C. zimmermanni from most other North American lady beetles. It is smaller than the common Scymnus and lacks the pale markings or spots characteristic of many Coccinellidae. Identification to species level requires examination of genitalia and other subtle morphological features. It may be confused with other Cephaloscymnus species, particularly C. occidentalis, which occurs in western North America.
Images
Appearance
are exceptionally small, reaching only 2.15–2.40 mm in length. The body is uniformly to black, lacking the bright color patterns seen in many larger lady beetles. The compact, rounded body form is typical of the Cephaloscymnus.
Distribution
Eastern North America. Documented from Washington D.C., Ohio, Indiana, Maryland, New Jersey, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Similar Taxa
- Cephaloscymnus occidentalisSimilar minute dark lady beetles; C. occidentalis occurs in western North America while C. zimmermanni is eastern
- Scymnus speciesOther small dark lady beetles in the same ; Scymnus are generally larger and more commonly encountered
- Stethorus speciesMinute dark lady beetles specialized on spider mites; similar size but different ecological preferences