Cephaloscymnus zimmermanni
Crotch, 1873
Zimmermann's lady beetle
Cephaloscymnus zimmermanni is a minute in the . 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/
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Identification
The minute size (under 2.5 mm) and uniformly dark coloration distinguish C. zimmermanni from most other North . It is smaller than the common Scymnus and lacks the pale markings or spots characteristic of many . Identification to species level requires examination of 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 . 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 ; C. occidentalis occurs in western North America while C. zimmermanni is eastern
- Scymnus speciesOther small dark in the same ; Scymnus are generally larger and more commonly encountered
- Stethorus speciesMinute dark specialized on ; similar size but different ecological preferences