Coccidophagous
Guides
Hyperaspidini
Hyperaspidini is a tribe of lady beetles (Coccinellidae) established by Mulsant in 1846, currently classified within subfamily Coccinellinae. The tribe contains approximately 16 genera, though generic boundaries remain fluid with some authorities treating Brachiacanthini and Selvadiini as synonyms. Species in this tribe are predominantly small, often inconspicuous lady beetles with documented predatory habits on mealybugs (Pseudococcidae) and aphids (Aphididae).
Rhyzobius
Rhyzobius is a genus of small lady beetles (Coccinellidae) in the tribe Coccidulini. The genus was established by J.F. Stephens in 1829 (published 1832) and contains approximately 106 recognized species worldwide. Members are specialized predators of scale insects (Coccoidea), particularly armored scales (Diaspididae). Several species, notably R. lophanthae and R. ventralis, have been widely introduced as biological control agents against scale pests in temperate regions globally.
Rhyzobius lophanthae
purple scale predator, scale-eating ladybird
Rhyzobius lophanthae is a small coccidophagous ladybird beetle native to Queensland and Southern Australia, widely introduced as a biological control agent. Adults and larvae prey on armored scales (Diaspididae) and mealybugs, with younger larvae crawling beneath protective scale covers to feed on nymphs. The species has established populations across the southern United States since its 1892 introduction to California, as well as in Europe and Pacific islands including Guam and Rota. It exhibits temperature-dependent development with optimal reproductive performance at 28°C.