Camouflage
Guides
Acanthepeira
Star-bellied Orb-web Spiders, Starbellied Orbweavers
Acanthepeira is a genus of orb-weaver spiders in the family Araneidae, first described by George Marx in 1883. The genus comprises five North American species, most notably Acanthepeira stellata, known for its distinctive star-shaped abdominal tubercles. These spiders are recognized for their unusual spiked abdomens that function as camouflage against predators. The genus ranges from southeastern Canada through the eastern and central United States to southern California.
Acmaeodera parkeri
Acmaeodera parkeri is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, described by Cazier in 1940. The species occurs in Central America and North America, with records from the southwestern United States and Mexico. Adults have been observed visiting flowers of several plant species, including Allionia incarnata (creeping four o'clock), Talinum whitei (White's flameflower), and Evolvulus arizonicus (Arizona blue-eyes).
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ycommon-but-differentiated-responsibilitiespolluter-pays-principleuser-pays-principlebeneficiary-pays-principleprecautionpreventionintergenerational-responsibilityintragenerational-responsibilitystewardshipcustodianshipguardianshiptrusteeshipcommon-heritage-of-humankindcommon-concern-of-humankindglobal-public-goodglobal-commonstragedy-of-the-commonscollective-action-problemfree-riderprisoner's-dilemmagame-theoryinstitutional-economicspolitical-economypolitical-ecologyenvironmental-historyhistorical-ecologydeep-historyanthropocenegreat-accelerationplanetary-boundariessafe-operating-spacedoughnut-economicsdegrowthsteady-state-economycircular-economyblue-economygreen-economybioeconomysharing-economycollaborative-consumptionprosumermaker-movementopen-sourcecreative-commonscopyleftpeer-productioncommons-based-peer-productiondigital-commonsknowledge-commonsdata-commonsgenetic-resourcesaccess-and-benefit-sharingNagoya-protocolCartagena-protocolAarhus-conventionRio-declarationStockholm-declarationEarth-charterfuture-generationslong-term-thinkingfutures-studiesscenario-analysisbackcastinganticipatory-governancetransformative-changesystemic-changeparadigm-shiftsocial-ecological-transformationjust-transitiongreen-new-dealecological-civilizationharmony-with-natureliving-in-harmony-with-natureintrinsic-valueinstrumental-valuerelational-valuenature's-rightsrights-of-naturelegal-personhoodstandingrepresentationprocedural-rightssubstantive-rightsenvironmental-rule-of-lawenvironmental-democracyenvironmental-constitutionalismenvironmental-rightsright-to-environmentright-to-healthright-to-foodright-to-waterright-to-developmentsustainable-developmentcommon-heritagecommon-concernglobal-governancemultilateralismplurilateralismminilateralismbilateralismunilateralismhegemonymultipolaritypolycentricitynetworked-governancefragmented-governancewicked-problemssuper-wicked-problemstame-problemsproblem-framingproblem-definitionsolution-spaceoption-spacedecision-spacepolicy-spaceinstitutional-spacepolitical-spacediscursive-spacenarrativestorytellingframingsense-makingmeaning-makingidentityvaluesbeliefsattitudesnormscultureworldviewparadigmepistemediscourseresistancecounter-hegemonysocial-movementenvironmental-movementconservation-movementclimate-movementindigenous-movementyouth-movementfeminist-movementenvironmental-justice-movementfood-sovereignty-movementland-rights-movementwater-rights-movementanimal-rights-movementnature-rights-movementecocentrismanthropocentrismbiocentrismzoocentrismsentientismecofeminismdeep-ecologysocial-ecologyecological-modernizationecological-economicsenvironmental-economicsnatural-resource-economicsecological-anthropologyenvironmental-sociologyenvironmental-psychologyenvironmental-educationenvironmental-communicationrisk-communicationcrisis-communicationstrategic-communicationpublic-relationsmarketingbehavior-changesocial-marketingcommunity-based-social-marketingnudgingchoice-architecturedefault-optionsimplificationfeedbacksocial-normscommitmentdisincentivesregulationstandardtaxsubsidycap-and-tradeoffsetcreditpaymentrewardpunishmentvoluntary-actionmandatory-actionhybrid-governancemeta-governancesteeringrowingrowing-backrowing-forwardrowing-togetherrowing-apartrowing-in-circlesrowing-against-the-currentrowing-with-the-currentrowing-upstreamrowing-downstreamrowing-acrossrowing-throughrowing-beyondrowing-withinrowing-withoutrowing-aboverowing-belowrowing-besiderowing-betweenrowing-amongrowing-amidstrowing-throughoutrowing-everywhererowing-nowhererowing-somewhererowing-anywhereAllantus cinctus
Curled rose sawfly, Banded rose sawfly
Allantus cinctus, commonly known as the curled rose sawfly or banded rose sawfly, is a species of sawfly in the family Tenthredinidae. The larvae are significant defoliators of rose plants, feeding on leaf margins and capable of reducing foliage to mid-veins. When not feeding, larvae curl tightly on leaf undersides or buds, providing effective camouflage. The species produces two generations per year in temperate regions, with larvae boring into twigs to pupate.
Allocyclosa
trashline orb weaver
Allocyclosa is a monotypic genus of orb-weaver spiders in the family Araneidae, containing only Allocyclosa bifurca. Originally described as Cyrtophora bifurca in 1887, it was transferred to its own genus in 1999 based on distinctive morphological features. The genus is notable for being the only Cyclosa-like species north of Mexico with a forked abdominal tip, and for its unusual reproductive biology where males are exceptionally rare.
Allocyclosa bifurca
Bifurcate Trashline Orbweaver, Forked-tail Trashline Orbweaver
Allocyclosa bifurca is a small orb-weaving spider and the sole species in its genus. Adult females measure 5.1–8.5 mm in body length and are silvery or white in color. The species is distinguished by a forked (bifurcate) projection at the rear of the abdomen—two humps shaped like the letter 'M'—giving it the Latin name meaning 'two-forked.' This is the only Cyclosa-like species north of Mexico with this forked tail structure. The spider exhibits remarkable camouflage behavior, arranging debris and egg sacs in a vertical line through its web to masquerade as bird droppings. Unusually, males are rarely observed, and females possess vestigial external genitalia with no external opening, suggesting possible parthenogenic reproduction. The species is also notable as a host for parasitic wasps that chemically manipulate its web-building behavior.
Amblycorypha alexanderi
Clicker Round-winged Katydid
Amblycorypha alexanderi, commonly known as the clicker round-winged katydid, is a phaneropterine katydid species in the family Tettigoniidae. It was described by Walker in 2003 and is native to North America. The species belongs to a genus known for remarkable leaf-mimicking camouflage and acoustic communication through stridulation.
Amblycorypha insolita
Big Bend Oblong-winged Katydid, Big Bend False Katydid
Amblycorypha insolita is a species of phaneropterine katydid in the family Tettigoniidae, first described by Rehn & Hebard in 1914. Known as the Big Bend oblong-winged katydid or Big Bend false katydid, this species is endemic to the southwestern United States and adjacent northeastern Mexico. It belongs to a genus renowned for exceptional camouflage and acoustic communication.
Amblycorypha longinicta
Common Virtuoso Katydid
Amblycorypha longinicta, commonly known as the Common Virtuoso Katydid, is a species of bush-cricket in the family Tettigoniidae. Described by Walker in 2004, this species belongs to the round-headed katydid genus Amblycorypha, which is distributed across North America and tropical Central America. Like other members of this genus, it exhibits remarkable leaf-mimicry through wing venation patterns that match leaf veins, providing effective camouflage against predators. The species is known to inhabit forested environments where its cryptic appearance allows it to blend seamlessly with vegetation.
Anaeini
Anaeini is a tribe of brush-footed butterflies in the family Nymphalidae, subfamily Charaxinae. These Neotropical butterflies are renowned for their remarkable dead leaf mimicry: when at rest with wings closed, the undersides closely resemble dried, brown foliage. The tribe includes approximately nine genera, among them Anaea, Memphis, Fountainea, Zaretis, and Hypna. Some taxonomic uncertainty exists regarding the placement of Anaeomorpha, which is sometimes included in Anaeini but more frequently assigned to the related tribe Preponini.
Archasia auriculata
Archasia auriculata is a species of treehopper in the family Membracidae, characterized by an elaborate pronotal extension that resembles a leaf or plant part. The species was described by Fitch in 1851 and belongs to the tribe Telamonini within the subfamily Smiliinae. Treehoppers in this genus are known for their highly modified pronota that serve as camouflage and protection.
Brochymena affinis
rough stink bug, tree stink bug
Brochymena affinis is a native North American stink bug in the family Pentatomidae. Like other members of its genus, it is commonly known as a "rough stink bug" or "tree stink bug" due to its bark-like camouflage. The species overwinters as an adult, typically remaining outdoors under loose bark rather than entering buildings. It produces one generation per year in temperate climates, with development from egg to adult taking an extended period.
Brochymena myops
rough stink bug, tree stink bug
Brochymena myops is a species of rough stink bug native to North America, belonging to the genus Brochymena commonly known as "tree stink bugs" for their bark-like camouflage. The species ranges from Quebec to Florida and westward through the central United States to Texas. Adults are active during warm periods throughout the year, including winter sunny days, and are frequently mistaken for the invasive brown marmorated stink bug. Like other Brochymena species, B. myops is not considered an agricultural or household pest.
stink-bugnativepredatorypine-forestcamouflagewinter-activenon-pestrough-stink-bugtree-stink-bugHemipteraPentatomidaeBrochymenaNorth-Americacentral-United-Statessoutheastern-United-Statesconifer-associatedbark-mimicryoverwintering-adultsingle-generationdecaying-wood-inhabitantbeneficial-insectHalyiniStål-1872Heteropteratrue-bugBrochymena punctata
rough stink bug
Brochymena punctata is a species of rough stink bug native to North America. Like other members of its genus, it exhibits cryptic coloration resembling tree bark and lichen. The species is often confused with the invasive brown marmorated stink bug, though it is harmless to humans and agriculture. It overwinters as an adult, typically remaining outdoors under loose bark rather than entering structures.
Brochymena sulcata
rough stink bug, tree stink bug
Brochymena sulcata is a species of rough stink bug in the family Pentatomidae, native to North America. Adults exhibit cryptic coloration that closely resembles lichen-mottled tree bark, providing effective camouflage against predation. The species overwinters as adults, typically remaining outdoors beneath loose bark or in other sheltered locations. Like other members of the genus, it is not considered an agricultural or household pest.
Campaea perlata
Pale Beauty, Fringed Looper, Light Emerald
Campaea perlata is a medium-sized geometrid moth found throughout North America, commonly known as the pale beauty. Adults are pale greenish to white with faint continuous lines across both forewings and hindwings, with females notably larger than males. The caterpillar, called the fringed looper, is an inchworm with distinctive fringe-like setae and twig-mimicking camouflage. The species has two annual generations in most of its range, with larvae overwintering on exposed tree trunks and branches.
Caprellidae
Skeleton Shrimp, Ghost Shrimp
Caprellidae is a family of marine amphipods known as skeleton shrimps, characterized by their slender, threadlike bodies that provide camouflage among seaweed, hydroids, and bryozoans. They exhibit extreme sexual dimorphism, with males typically much larger than females. The family contains 88 genera across three subfamilies and is distributed worldwide in marine environments from intertidal zones to deep sea depths. Some species have been documented as invasive, spreading through biofouling on aquaculture equipment.
Catocala dejecta
Dejected Underwing
Catocala dejecta, the Dejected Underwing, is a moth in the family Erebidae. It is found in eastern and central North America, from Massachusetts and Connecticut south to Florida, west to Texas and Oklahoma, and north to southern Ontario. Adults have a wingspan of 56–73 mm and are active from June to October, with timing varying by location. The larvae feed on hickories (Carya glabra, Carya ovata) and oaks (Quercus species).
Catocala subnata
Youthful Underwing
Catocala subnata, commonly known as the youthful underwing, is a large underwing moth in the family Erebidae. First described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1864, this species is characterized by its cryptic forewings that conceal brightly colored hindwings, a defensive trait shared with other members of the genus Catocala. The species has a broad distribution across eastern and central North America, with adults active during mid to late summer. Larvae feed on specific host trees in the walnut family.
Centrotus cornutus
Horned Treehopper, Thorn-hopper
Centrotus cornutus, commonly known as the Horned Treehopper or Thorn-hopper, is a distinctive treehopper species in the family Membracidae. Adults are recognized by their pronounced pronotal extensions that form horn-like projections, which function in camouflage by resembling thorns or plant parts. The species has a two-year life cycle and overwinters as larvae in leaf litter. It is one of only two treehopper species recorded in the United Kingdom.
Ceraeochrysa
trash-carrier lacewings, green lacewings
Ceraeochrysa is a genus of green lacewings in the family Chrysopidae, established by Adams in 1982 based on distinct genitalia structure. It is the second largest genus in Chrysopidae with 61 species distributed from southeastern Canada to Argentina, with highest diversity in the Neotropics. Larvae are known as 'trash carriers' that construct dorsal packets of debris for camouflage, including insect wax, lichen, and plant material. The genus contains important biological control agents that prey on mealybugs, aphids, mites, thrips, and lepidopteran eggs.
Ceraeochrysa smithi
Smith's Green Lacewing
Ceraeochrysa smithi is a species of green lacewing in the family Chrysopidae. It is found across the Caribbean, Central America, North America, and South America. As a member of the genus Ceraeochrysa, it belongs to a group known for larvae that construct dorsal packets of debris for camouflage. The species was first described by Navás in 1914.
Chaitophorus
Poplar aphids, Willow aphids
Chaitophorus is a genus of aphids comprising approximately 90–110 species distributed across North America, Europe, and Asia. Members are primarily associated with Salicaceae hosts, particularly Populus (poplars) and Salix (willows), though some species occur on Vitaceae, Apiaceae, and Asteraceae. The genus exhibits host-specificity, with species-level identification often requiring knowledge of the host plant due to subtle morphological differences. Multiple independent origins of ant mutualism have been documented within the genus.
Chalcophora virginiensis
Sculptured Pine Borer
Chalcophora virginiensis, commonly known as the sculptured pine borer, is one of the largest jewel beetles in eastern North America, measuring well over an inch in length. Adults are characterized by their hyper-sculptured, shiny metallic coppery bodies that provide effective camouflage against the bark of dead or dying pine trees. The species is endemic to forested areas of the eastern United States and Canada, where it is strictly associated with pine hosts. Larvae develop within the wood of their host trees, while adults are active during daylight hours and rely on crypsis rather than chemical or physical defenses against predators.
Chrysopidae
Green lacewings, lacewings, stinkflies, aphid lions, aphid wolves, junk bugs, trash bugs
Chrysopidae, commonly known as green lacewings, is a large family of neuropteran insects comprising approximately 85 genera and 1,300–2,000 species worldwide. Adults are delicate, often bright green insects with conspicuous golden compound eyes and translucent, iridescent wings with characteristic wide costal fields in the venation. Larvae are voracious predators nicknamed "aphid lions" or "trash bugs," known for carrying debris on their backs for camouflage while hunting soft-bodied prey. The family is economically significant as biological control agents, with millions reared annually for agricultural pest management.
Coriarachne
Coriarachne is a genus of crab spiders (Thomisidae) described by Thorell in 1870. The genus currently contains four species distributed across boreal and temperate regions of Europe, Asia, and North America. Many previously described species have been synonymized or transferred to related genera including Bassaniana, Bassaniodes, and Pycnaxis.
Cyclosa
Trashline Orbweavers
Cyclosa is a genus of orb-weaver spiders commonly known as trashline orbweavers, first described by Anton Menge in 1866. These spiders are distinguished by their unique web decorations consisting of linear arrangements of prey remains, debris, and sometimes egg sacs arranged vertically through the web center. The name derives from Greek 'to move in a circle,' referencing their spiral web construction. Most species face downward in their webs, though some face upward. The genus contains approximately 178 species distributed worldwide.
Cyclosa conica
Conical Trashline Orbweaver
Cyclosa conica is a small orb-weaving spider known for constructing distinctive vertical webs decorated with debris. Females measure 5.3–7.5 mm in body length, while males are smaller at 3.6–4 mm. The species is recognized by its unique behavior of stringing dead insect bodies and other debris vertically through the center of its web, forming a 'trashline' or stabilimentum. The spider positions itself at the hub of this debris, relying on its cryptic coloration to blend in and avoid detection by predators. When disturbed, it feigns death as a secondary defense.
Cyclosa turbinata
Humped Trashline Orbweaver, Trashline Orbweaver
Cyclosa turbinata is a small orb-weaving spider (Araneidae) known for its distinctive 'trashline' web decoration, where the spider arranges debris, prey carcasses, and egg sacs in a vertical line through the web hub to camouflage itself from visual predators. Females possess two anterior dorsal humps on the abdomen, distinguishing them from the similar C. conica. The species exhibits an exceptionally short-period circadian clock of approximately 19 hours, regulating its locomotor and web-building activities. Native to North and Central America, it has been introduced to Hawaii and other regions, with spiderlings dispersing via wind-borne silk (ballooning).
Cyclosa walckenaeri
Walckenaer's Trashline Orbweaver
Cyclosa walckenaeri is a species of trashline orb-weaver spider in the family Araneidae, found from the United States through the Caribbean to Guyana. Like other members of the genus Cyclosa, it constructs small vertical orb webs decorated with a vertical line of debris through the center, which serves as camouflage. The spider sits at the hub of this "trashline," effectively hiding among the accumulated material. This species is part of a group of spiders known for recycling web debris and prey remains into architectural elements that disguise their presence from visual predators.
Dasysyrphus
Dasysyrphus is a genus of hoverflies (Syrphidae) comprising approximately 50 described species distributed worldwide. The genus is relatively straightforward to identify, though species-level differentiation requires careful examination and should not rely solely on images. Adults are medium-sized with distinctive morphological features including hairy eyes and microtrichose wings. Larvae are primarily arboreal, feeding nocturnally on aphids and other small Hemiptera.
Dicerca obscura
A large jewel beetle (family Buprestidae) with brownish-black coloration and cryptic appearance. Adults are strongly associated with dead or dying persimmon trees (Diospyros virginiana), though also recorded from staghorn sumac (Rhus typhina). The species name reflects its remarkable ability to blend into bark, making it difficult to detect despite its size.
Enchenopa on-tilia-americana
Enchenopa on-tilia-americana is a species of treehopper in the family Membracidae. Like other members of the genus Enchenopa, this species is characterized by a pronotum that extends posteriorly into a distinctive crest or "thorn-like" shape, providing effective camouflage on plant stems. The specific epithet suggests an association with American linden or basswood (Tilia americana), though detailed host records for this particular species remain limited. Treehoppers in this genus are known for their remarkable morphological diversity and specialized plant associations.
Entylia
keel-shaped treehopper
Entylia is a genus of treehoppers in the family Membracidae, first described by Germar in 1833. The genus contains at least three described species, including Entylia carinata, which is known for its distinctive keel-shaped pronotum that resembles plant debris. These insects are notable for their mutualistic relationships with ants, which protect them from predators in exchange for honeydew. The genus is distributed in North America, with observations recorded from regions including the northeastern United States.
Epiblema tripartitana
Epiblema tripartitana is a small tortricid moth in the leafroller family Tortricidae. The species has been documented in Colorado and Vermont, with observations at light stations during summer moth surveys. Its common name references the three-part or tripartite wing pattern. The moth exhibits distinctive coloration that has been described as resembling bird droppings, a form of protective camouflage.
Euchloe ausonides
Large Marble, Creamy Marblewing
Euchloe ausonides, commonly known as the Large Marble or Creamy Marblewing, is a medium-sized butterfly in the family Pieridae native to western North America. The species exhibits remarkable camouflage behavior, with adults capable of orienting themselves against backgrounds to render nearly invisible despite their contrasting wing patterns. Population declines have been documented in California since the 1980s, particularly in the Central Valley and Bay Area, with the species now considered regionally extinct at low-elevation sites in some areas. One subspecies, E. a. insulanus (Island Marble), is federally endangered and endemic to the San Juan Islands of Washington State.
Euchloe hyantis
pearly marble, pearly marblewing, California marble
A small Pieridae butterfly of western North America with distinctive marbled underwings. Adults fly in spring and early summer, with one generation annually. Males exhibit hilltopping behavior along ridgelines. The species has been documented feeding on Brassicaceae flowers and fruits, particularly Streptanthus species. Chrysalids overwinter.
Eustala
humpbacked orb-weavers
Eustala is a genus of orb-weaver spiders in the family Araneidae, first described by Eugène Simon in 1895. As of November 2024, the genus contains 87 species distributed primarily across the Americas, from the United States through Central America to South America, with highest diversity in Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina. Several species have been documented exhibiting specialized ecological relationships, including myrmecophily (living among ants) in Central American species that inhabit ant-defended acacia plants. The genus includes the well-known humpbacked orb-weaver, Eustala anastera, found across North and Central America.
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htperchroostnestdenburrowtunneldigexcavateminequarryextractremoveeliminateeradicateexterminatedestroydemolishruinwreckdamageharminjurehurtwoundmaimcripplelamedisableincapacitateparalyzestunshockastonishamazeastoundstaggerstupefydazebewilderconfusepuzzleperplexbafflemystifyenigmaExema gibber
warty leaf beetle
Exema gibber is a species of warty leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, native to North America. As a member of the tribe Chlamisini, it exhibits remarkable frass-mimicry camouflage, retracting its head, legs, and antennae into body grooves when disturbed to resemble caterpillar droppings. The species measures approximately 2–3 mm in length and has been observed feeding on Asteraceae plants, including gray-headed coneflower (Ratibida pinnata) and sweet coneflower (Rudbeckia subtomentosa).
Fountainea
Fountainea is a genus of Neotropical leaf butterflies in the family Nymphalidae, established by Rydon in 1971. The genus contains eight species known for their remarkable camouflage: when at rest with wings closed, their undersides closely resemble dead leaves. The genus was named in honor of Margaret Fountaine, a renowned entomologist. These butterflies are part of the Charaxinae subfamily, a group known for their robust bodies and often cryptic wing patterns.
Georissidae
minute mud-loving beetles
Georissidae is a small family of beetles commonly known as minute mud-loving beetles, containing the single genus Georissus. Members are tiny insects typically found in wet soil and riparian environments near water. Some species have been documented in atypical habitats such as cloud forest leaf litter. The family exhibits notable morphological and behavioral diversity, including psammophory (sand adherence for camouflage) in some subgenera and aptery (winglessness) in certain species.
Gonatista grisea
Grizzled Mantis, Florida Bark Mantis, Lichen Mimic Mantis
Gonatista grisea is a bark-dwelling praying mantis native to the southeastern United States. It exhibits exceptional cryptic coloration resembling lichen, earning it the common name "lichen mimic mantis." The species perches head-down on tree trunks to ambush prey and has been documented in Florida, Alabama, and surrounding states. It is one of over twenty native mantis species in the United States, though less frequently encountered than introduced species.
Heteronemiidae
walkingsticks, stick insects
Heteronemiidae is a family of stick insects (order Phasmatodea) comprising approximately 14 genera and at least 80 described species. The family is primarily distributed in the Neotropics, with significant diversity in Brazil, though some species occur in the Nearctic region including the Pacific Northwest of the United States. Members of this family exhibit camouflage morphology, with some species described as 'mossy stick insects' due to their crypsis in forest habitats.
Homalonychus theologus
American sand assassin
Homalonychus theologus is a true spider in the obscure family Homalonychidae, found in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. It is one of only two species in its genus. The species exhibits distinctive sand-encrusted camouflage achieved through specialized setae that trap soil particles. It does not construct webs and has been observed employing self-burying behavior during molting and mating.
Hyperaspis bensonica
Hyperaspis bensonica is a small lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae native to southwestern North America. Adults measure 1.90–2.90 mm and exhibit distinctive coloration: males have yellow lateral and anterior pronotal margins, and the elytra bear a discal spot and lateral vitta. Like other members of the genus Hyperaspis, this species is a predator of scale insects. The larvae produce waxy secretions that serve as protective camouflage, causing them to be frequently mistaken for mealybugs or scale insects.
Hyperaspis conviva
Hyperaspis conviva is a small lady beetle native to North America. Adults measure 2.70–3.80 mm and display a black body with red spot patterning similar to Hyperaspis signata. The species is a specialized predator of scale insects, with larvae producing a distinctive white waxy coating that serves as camouflage and protection against ants and other predators. The waxy larvae are frequently mistaken for mealybugs, leading to unnecessary mortality from insecticide applications.
Hyperaspis disconotata
disk-marked lady beetle
Hyperaspis disconotata, commonly known as the disk-marked lady beetle, is a small predatory beetle in the family Coccinellidae. Adults measure approximately 2.30–2.80 mm in length and are characterized by five yellow spots on the elytra. The species is native to North America, with records from Alberta, Quebec, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York, and Wisconsin. As a member of the Hyperaspis genus, it is a specialized predator of scale insects, contributing to biological control of these plant pests.
Hyperaspis disrupta
Hyperaspis disrupta is a small lady beetle native to southwestern North America. Adults measure 1.60–1.80 mm and are distinguished by yellow anterior and lateral borders on the pronotum in males, with elytra bearing discal and apical spots. The species is a specialist predator of scale insects. Its larvae are covered in white waxy secretions that serve as camouflage and protection against ant attacks, making them frequently mistaken for mealybugs or other pests.
Hyperaspis medialis
medial lady beetle
Hyperaspis medialis, the medial lady beetle, is a small lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae. Adults measure approximately 2–2.5 mm in length. The species is native to North America and has been recorded from Arizona and Texas. Like other members of the genus Hyperaspis, it is a predator of scale insects. The larvae are covered in white waxy secretions that serve as camouflage and protection against predators.
Hyperaspis osculans
Hyperaspis osculans is a small lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae. Adults measure 2.50–3.10 mm. The species is native to North America and has been recorded from California. Like other members of the genus Hyperaspis, it is a predator of scale insects. The larvae produce a white waxy coating that serves as camouflage and protection against predators.
Hyperaspis paludicola
swamp lady beetle
Hyperaspis paludicola, the swamp lady beetle, is a small North American lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae. Adults measure 1.70–2.10 mm in length. The species is a specialized predator of scale insects and mealybugs, with larvae that produce distinctive white waxy secretions for protection. It has been recorded from Alberta, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, and South Carolina.