Coccinellidae
Guides
Hippodamia moesta
sorrowful lady beetle
Hippodamia moesta, commonly known as the sorrowful lady beetle, is a species of lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae. It is native to western North America and is characterized by its predominantly black elytra with a pale marginal spot and body length of 6–7.5 mm. The species includes three recognized subspecies with distinct geographic distributions.
Hippodamia moesta bowditchi
Bowditch's Lady Beetle
Hippodamia moesta bowditchi is a subspecies of lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae, described by Johnson in 1910. It is native to North America. As a member of the genus Hippodamia, it belongs to a group of predatory lady beetles commonly used in biological control of aphids and other soft-bodied insects. The subspecies designation indicates geographic or morphological variation within the broader H. moesta species complex.
Hippodamia moesta moesta
Sorrowful Lady Beetle
Hippodamia moesta moesta is a subspecies of lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae. It is native to North America and is commonly known as the Sorrowful Lady Beetle. The species belongs to a genus widely recognized for its role in biological control of agricultural pests. Limited specific information is available for this particular subspecies.
Hippodamia oregonensis
Oregon Lady Beetle
Hippodamia oregonensis is a small lady beetle species in the family Coccinellidae. Adults measure approximately 4–5 mm in length. The species is native to western North America and has been documented in Alberta, British Columbia, Colorado, Oregon, Utah, and Washington. It is distinguished by a black pronotum with yellow lateral and apical borders and elytra bearing black spots.
Hippodamia parenthesis
Parenthesis Lady Beetle
Hippodamia parenthesis, commonly known as the parenthesis lady beetle, is a small lady beetle species native to North America. Adults measure 3.75–5.60 mm in length and are distinguished by spotted elytra with apical spots that are often suffused. The species has been recorded across a broad geographic range from Nova Scotia to South Carolina, westward to Alaska and California. As a member of the genus Hippodamia, it is presumed to be predatory like congeners, though specific prey associations for this species are not well documented.
Hippodamia quindecimmaculata
Scarce Convergent Ladybeetle
Hippodamia quindecimmaculata is a small lady beetle species in the family Coccinellidae, measuring 5-7 mm in length. It is characterized by pale spots on the pronotum and heavily maculate (spotted) elytra. The species has a limited known distribution in North America, with records from Ontario, Saskatchewan, and several midwestern and southern U.S. states including Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Wisconsin. It appears to be relatively uncommon, with few documented observations.
Hippodamia quinquesignata ambigua
Pacific Five-spotted Lady Beetle
Hippodamia quinquesignata ambigua is a subspecies of lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae. It occurs in western North America, with records from the Pacific region and introduced populations in Hawaii. The species is a generalist predator, feeding primarily on aphids and other small soft-bodied insects.
Hippodamia quinquesignata quinquesignata
Five-spot lady beetle, Five-spotted lady beetle
Hippodamia quinquesignata quinquesignata is a subspecies of lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae. It is native to North America, with records from Vermont and Hawaii. As a member of the genus Hippodamia, it shares characteristics with other species in this group, including predatory habits. The subspecies designation indicates geographic variation within the broader species H. quinquesignata.
Hippodamia sinuata sinuata
Hippodamia sinuata sinuata is a subspecies of lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae. It belongs to a genus containing several species used in biological control of agricultural pests. The subspecies has been recorded from North America and Oceania. Like other Hippodamia species, it is likely a predator of soft-bodied insects, though specific ecological studies for this subspecies are limited.
Hippodamia washingtoni
Washington's Lady Beetle
Hippodamia washingtoni is a species of lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae. Adults measure 5.40–6.70 mm in length. The species is known from a restricted range in the Pacific Northwest of North America.
Hyperaspidius hardyi
Hyperaspidius hardyi is a small lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae, described by Gordon in 1985. The species is known from California and is notable for its sexually dimorphic coloration, with males and females differing in head and pronotum pigmentation. It is one of approximately 20 species in the genus Hyperaspidius, a group of minute lady beetles found primarily in the Americas.
Hyperaspidius insignis Casey, 1899
Hyperaspidius insignis is a small lady beetle (family Coccinellidae) native to North America. Adults measure approximately 2.25–3.20 mm in length. The species has been recorded from Alberta, Saskatchewan, Colorado, and Oklahoma. It is characterized by distinctive coloration: a yellow pronotum with reddish-yellow spots, and black elytra with yellow borders and discal spots. The genus Hyperaspidius belongs to the tribe Hyperaspidini, which comprises small, often inconspicuous lady beetles.
Hyperaspidius marginatus
Hyperaspidius marginatus is a small lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae, first described by Gaines in 1933. Adults measure 1.75-2.40 mm in length. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in pronotal coloration. It is known from Texas and potentially broader North American distribution, though records remain sparse.
Hyperaspidius simulatus
Hyperaspidius simulatus is a minute lady beetle species described by Gordon in 1985. Adults measure approximately 1.6–1.7 mm in length. The species name refers to its resemblance to other Hyperaspidius species in dorsal coloration. It is known from California, North America.
Hyperaspidius venustulus
Eight-spotted Hyperaspidius
Hyperaspidius venustulus is a small lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae. Adults measure approximately 2.80 mm. The species has been recorded from Georgia and is associated with big cordgrass (Spartina cynosuroides) stands, where it has been found with the mealybug Dysmicoccus dennoi. It is rarely collected and poorly known.
Hyperaspis
Sigil Lady Beetles
Hyperaspis is a genus of lady beetles (family Coccinellidae) comprising more than 100 described species. Members are known as Sigil Lady Beetles. Species in this genus are predatory, with documented associations with scale insects and mealybugs. The genus has a wide distribution including North America and northern Europe, though individual species vary in range.
Hyperaspis aemulator
Hyperaspis aemulator is a small lady beetle in the tribe Hyperaspini, first described by Casey in 1908. Adults measure approximately 2.40–2.80 mm in length. The species is poorly documented, with only one observation recorded on iNaturalist and limited published information available.
Hyperaspis annexa
Hyperaspis annexa is a small lady beetle (Coccinellidae) native to North America, with records from California. Adults measure 2.0–2.75 mm and are characterized by black elytra with two yellow vittae. Males have a yellow anterior pronotal margin, sometimes black. The species belongs to a genus whose larvae are notable predators of scale insects, though specific prey relationships for this species remain undocumented.
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 bolteri
A small North American lady beetle in the genus Hyperaspis, measuring 3.0–3.25 mm. Distinguished by a highly distinctive color pattern and an extremely dull pronotal surface. Like other members of its genus, it is likely a predator of scale insects, though specific ecological details for this species remain limited.
Hyperaspis brunnescens
Hyperaspis brunnescens is a small species of lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae, described by Dobzhansky in 1941. It is native to North America and has been recorded from Illinois and Nova Scotia. Adults measure approximately 2.30–2.50 mm in length. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in pronotum coloration: males have a dull yellow pronotum, while females have a brownish black pronotum with a faint yellow lateral border. The elytra are brownish black with two longitudinal vittae (stripes).
Hyperaspis cincta
Corona Sigil Lady Beetle
Hyperaspis cincta is a small lady beetle species in the family Coccinellidae, measuring approximately 2.0–2.6 mm in length. It is native to western North America, with confirmed records from California and Utah. Adults are distinguished from the similar Hyperaspis inflexa by their wider marginal vitta on the elytra. The genus Hyperaspis includes species known as predatory biocontrol agents of scale insects.
Hyperaspis conspirans
Hyperaspis conspirans is a small predatory lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae. Adults measure approximately 1.90–2.30 mm in length. Males have a black pronotum with a yellow lateral area, while females show a slightly reddened yellow area on the pronotum. The elytra bear three yellow spots. The species is known from Arizona and Texas in southwestern North America. Like other members of the genus Hyperaspis, larvae are covered in white wax secreted from lateral glands, which serves as protection against ants and other predators while hunting 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 cruenta
bloody lady beetle
Hyperaspis cruenta, commonly known as the bloody lady beetle, is a small predatory lady beetle native to North America. Adults measure approximately 2.50–2.65 mm in length and exhibit sexual dimorphism in pronotum coloration. The species is known from Texas and New Mexico, with limited documented observations. Like other Hyperaspis species, it likely preys on scale insects, though specific dietary records for this species are sparse.
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 dissoluta
dissolute lady beetle
Hyperaspis dissoluta is a small lady beetle native to western North America. Adults measure 2.0–2.75 mm and are characterized by black elytra with yellow or red markings. The species is a specialized predator of scale insects, with larvae that produce a distinctive white waxy coating for protection. Two subspecies are recognized: H. d. dissoluta and H. d. nevadica, differing in size and elytral pattern.
Hyperaspis dobzhanskyi
Dobzhansky's lady beetle
Hyperaspis dobzhanskyi is a small lady beetle species in the family Coccinellidae, known from Arizona in the southwestern United States. Adults measure approximately 2.45 mm in length. The species belongs to a genus whose larvae are notable for producing waxy secretions that camouflage them among scale insects, their primary prey. Like other Hyperaspis species, it likely serves as a biological control agent of scale insect pests.
Hyperaspis fastidiosa
fastidious lady beetle
Hyperaspis fastidiosa is a small lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae, commonly known as the fastidious lady beetle. Adults measure 2.10–2.80 mm in length and exhibit sexual dimorphism in pronotum coloration. The species is native to western North America, with records from the Canadian prairies through the western United States. Like other members of the genus Hyperaspis, it is presumed to be a predator of scale insects.
Hyperaspis gemina
twin-spotted lady beetle
Hyperaspis gemina is a small lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae, commonly known as the twin-spotted lady beetle. The species is native to eastern North America, with confirmed records from Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. Adults are characterized by their small size, yellow head, and distinctive elytral pattern featuring two yellow spots. Like other members of the genus Hyperaspis, this species is predatory and associated with scale insects.
Hyperaspis gemma Casey, 1899
Hyperaspis gemma is a small lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae native to southwestern North America. Adults measure 2.20–2.80 mm and exhibit distinct sexual dimorphism in pronotal coloration. The species belongs to a genus known for predation on scale insects, though specific ecological details for H. gemma remain limited.
Hyperaspis globula
globular lady beetle
Hyperaspis globula is a small lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae, commonly known as the globular lady beetle. Adults measure approximately 1.8–2 mm in length. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in pronotum coloration: males have a yellow anterior border, while females have a black anterior border. It is recorded from Texas and is part of a genus known for preying on scale insects.
Hyperaspis haematosticta
Hyperaspis haematosticta is a small lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae. Adults measure approximately 2.70–3.80 mm in length. The species is native to North America, with documented records from New Mexico and Arizona. Like other members of the genus Hyperaspis, it is a predator of scale insects.
Hyperaspis imitator
Hyperaspis imitator is a small lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae, described by Gordon in 1985. The species is known from Texas and is part of a genus whose larvae are specialized predators of scale insects. Adults are approximately 2–2.25 mm in length with distinctive black elytra marked by a discal spot and lateral yellow vitta.
Hyperaspis inedita
Hyperaspis inedita is a small lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae. Adults measure 2.65–3 mm in length. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in pronotal coloration: males have a yellow anterior margin and lateral area on the pronotum, while females have a black anterior margin with a yellow lateral area. A red spot is present on each elytron. The species is found in the southeastern and central United States.
Hyperaspis inflexa
curved lady beetle, curved ladybug
Hyperaspis inflexa, commonly known as the curved lady beetle, is a small lady beetle species in the family Coccinellidae native to North America. Adults measure 1.80–2.85 mm in length. Males are distinguished by yellow coloration on the lateral area and anterior border of the pronotum. The species is a specialized predator of scale insects, with larvae that produce a distinctive white waxy coating for protection. It has been recorded across a broad geographic range in North America from western Canada to the eastern United States.
Hyperaspis jovialis
Jovial Sigil Lady Beetle
Hyperaspis jovialis is a small lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae, known from western North America. Adults measure 2.40–2.80 mm and exhibit sexual dimorphism in pronotum coloration. The species belongs to a genus whose larvae are specialized predators of scale insects, often producing waxy coatings for camouflage and protection. Adults display variable elytral color patterns ranging from black with orange spots to orange with black markings.
Hyperaspis lateralis
Lateral Sigil Lady Beetle, lateral lady beetle
Hyperaspis lateralis is a small lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae, native to Central and North America. Adults measure 2.50–3.80 mm and exhibit sexual dimorphism in pronotum coloration: males have yellow anterior margins and lateral areas, while females have entirely black pronota. The species is one of several Hyperaspis known to prey on scale insects.
Hyperaspis lugubris
lugubrious lady beetle
Hyperaspis lugubris, commonly known as the lugubrious lady beetle, is a small North American lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae. Adults measure 2.40–3.30 mm in length. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in pronotum coloration: males have a reddish yellow pronotum often with darkened areas, while females have a black pronotum with yellow lateral margins and a yellow head. The elytra bear three spots. It is one of several Hyperaspis species native to North America that specialize in preying on scale insects.
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 nigrosuturalis
Hyperaspis nigrosuturalis is a small lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae. Adults reach approximately 3.40 mm in length. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in coloration: males have yellow heads and yellow lateral margins on the pronotum, while females have black heads and entirely black pronota. The elytra are red with black margins in both sexes. It is native to North America, with records from Florida.
Hyperaspis octavia
Octavia Lady Beetle
Hyperaspis octavia is a small lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae, measuring approximately 2.5 mm in length. It is native to North America and has been recorded from Mississippi, Quebec, Michigan, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Ontario. Like other members of the genus Hyperaspis, it is a specialist predator of scale insects. The species exhibits distinctive coloration with a shiny black body and pale red-brown spots, along with paler brown legs.
Hyperaspis oculaticauda
eye-tailed lady beetle
Hyperaspis oculaticauda, the eye-tailed lady beetle, is a small predatory lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae. Adults measure 1.80–2.40 mm in length and are characterized by black elytra with a single apical spot. The species is native to western North America, with confirmed records from California, Nevada, and Oregon. Like other Hyperaspis species, it is a specialized predator of scale insects.
Hyperaspis oculifera
Hyperaspis oculifera is a small lady beetle species in the family Coccinellidae, recorded from Arizona. Adults measure 2.0–2.6 mm in length. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in pronotal coloration: males have yellow anterior margins and lateral areas of the pronotum, while females have a black anterior margin with yellow lateral areas. Each elytron bears a yellow spot. As a member of the genus Hyperaspis, it is likely a predator of scale insects, though specific prey records for this species are not documented.
Hyperaspis ornatella
Hyperaspis ornatella is a small lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae. Adults measure approximately 2.4–2.6 mm in length. Males have a yellow head and pronotum with a large rectangular black medial area; females have a black head and similar pronotal pattern. The elytra are black with yellow spots. The species name derives from Latin ornamentum, referencing its distinctive color pattern. The species is known from Florida and is part of a genus whose larvae are important biological control agents of scale insects.
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.
Hyperaspis pinguis
Hyperaspis pinguis is a small lady beetle species in the family Coccinellidae. Adults measure approximately 3.30–3.50 mm in length. The species is known from Arizona in North America and is closely related to Hyperaspis lateralis, from which it can be distinguished by specific pronotal coloration patterns. Like other members of the genus Hyperaspis, this species is a predator of scale insects and likely contributes to biological control of these pests in its native range.
Hyperaspis pleuralis
Side-spotted Sigil Lady Beetle
Hyperaspis pleuralis is a small lady beetle native to western North America, measuring 1.95–2.85 mm in length. Males are distinguished by yellow coloration on the lateral and anterolateral areas of the pronotum. The species exhibits typical Hyperaspis biology: larvae produce a white waxy coating that camouflages them among scale insects while providing protection from predators and ants. Both larvae and adults are specialized predators of scale insects, making them valuable biological control agents in natural and ornamental ecosystems.