Microweisea coccidivora
Ashmead, 1880
Banded Pinpoint Lady Beetle
Microweisea coccidivora is a minute lady beetle in the Coccinellidae, measuring only 0.8–1.0 mm in length. The is recorded from the southeastern United States, specifically Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina. Its specific epithet "coccidivora" indicates a diet specializing in scale insects (family Coccidae). The is associated with -infested trees in urban environments, where it functions as a natural enemy of pest scales.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Microweisea coccidivora: /ˌmaɪkroʊˈwaɪsiə ˌkɒksɪˈdɪvərə/
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Identification
Distinguished from other Microweisea by its specific elytral color pattern: dark brown at base and apex with a yellowish-brown band. The minute size (0.8–1.0 mm) separates it from most other lady beetles. Within its , identification requires examination of elytral maculation patterns. The species name "coccidivora" may aid identification when specimens are collected from insect .
Habitat
Associated with -infested trees in urban and possibly natural environments. Documented from urban red maple trees infested with gloomy scales (Melanaspis tenebricosa). Likely occurs in tree where scale insects are present.
Distribution
Southeastern United States: recorded from Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina.
Diet
Scale insects ( Coccidae). The specific epithet "coccidivora" translates to "-eater." Observed in association with gloomy scales (Melanaspis tenebricosa) on urban red maple trees.
Host Associations
- Melanaspis tenebricosa - preyGloomy ; observed on urban red maple trees
Ecological Role
of scale insects; functions as a natural enemy in urban tree . Contributes to of insect pests. Scale-infested trees that support this and other natural enemies may provide associational pest resistance to nearby plants through predator spillover.
Human Relevance
Potential beneficial insect for of scale insects in urban landscapes. Conservation of -infested trees may support of this and other natural enemies, reducing pest in nearby plants.
Similar Taxa
- Other Microweisea speciesSame ; require examination of elytral color patterns and genitalia for definitive identification
- Other minute CoccinellidaeSimilar size; distinguished by specific elytral banding pattern and association with scale insects
More Details
Taxonomic note
The specific epithet "coccidivora" is descriptive of diet, a relatively uncommon practice in Coccinellidae . The was described by Ashmead in 1880.
Research context
This has been documented in ecological research on urban tree pest management, specifically in studies of natural enemy associated with scale insects on red maple trees conducted at North Carolina State University.