Coccidophilus atronitens
(Casey, 1899)
Coccidophilus atronitens is a minute lady beetle in the Coccinellidae, notable for its exceptionally small size among coccinellids. measure approximately 1.10–1.20 mm in length. The has been documented in western North America from Colorado and Arizona to Oregon and California. It belongs to a whose name indicates an association with scale insects (Coccoidea).
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Coccidophilus atronitens: /kɒk.sɪˈdɒf.ɪ.ləs ˌæ.trəʊˈnɪ.tɛnz/
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Identification
Distinguished from other Coccinellidae by its extremely small size (1.10–1.20 mm), which is at the lower extreme for lady beetles. The combination of dark brown body with yellowish brown legs may help separate it from similar minute , though definitive identification requires examination of genitalia and other microscopic features.
Appearance
are approximately 1.10–1.20 mm in length. Body coloration is dark brown. Legs are yellowish brown.
Distribution
Western North America, recorded from Colorado and Arizona westward to Oregon and California.
More Details
Etymology
The name Coccidophilus derives from Greek roots indicating affinity for scale insects (Coccoidea), suggesting a probable trophic relationship, though this has not been directly documented for C. atronitens.
Taxonomic history
Originally described by Casey in 1899.