Coccinellidae
Guides
Hyperaspis postica
postica lady beetle
Hyperaspis postica, the postica lady beetle, is a small North American lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae. Adults measure 2.30–3.10 mm in length. The species is distinguished by a single apical spot on each elytron that varies in size and shape. It occurs from British Columbia to southern California, with additional records from Alberta, Arizona, and Colorado. Like other Hyperaspis species, it is likely a predator of scale insects.
Hyperaspis proba
esteemed lady beetle, esteemed sigil lady beetle
Hyperaspis proba, commonly known as the esteemed lady beetle, is a small species of lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae. It is native to North America with a recorded range extending from Maine to South Carolina and westward to South Dakota and western Texas. Adults measure approximately 2–3 mm in length and exhibit sexual dimorphism in pronotal coloration.
Hyperaspis punctata
Hyperaspis punctata is a small lady beetle species in the family Coccinellidae, native to North America with confirmed records from Texas. Adults measure 1.70–2.30 mm in length. The species belongs to a genus of specialized scale insect predators whose larvae are covered in protective white wax. Like other Hyperaspis species, it likely functions as a biological control agent against scale insect pests.
Hyperaspis quadrioculata
Four-eyed Lady Beetle, Four-eyed Sigil Lady Beetle
Hyperaspis quadrioculata, commonly known as the four-eyed lady beetle, is a small predatory beetle in the family Coccinellidae. Adults measure 2.7–4.0 mm and display variable color patterns on their elytra. The species is native to North America, with confirmed records from central and southern California. Like other members of the genus Hyperaspis, it is a specialized predator of scale insects.
Hyperaspis querquesi
Hyperaspis querquesi is a small lady beetle species in the family Coccinellidae. Adults measure approximately 2.55–2.70 mm in length. The species is known from California, where it has been recorded in association with scale insects. Like other members of the genus Hyperaspis, it likely functions as a biological control agent of scale insect pests.
Hyperaspis rotunda
Hyperaspis rotunda is a small lady beetle species in the family Coccinellidae, first described by Casey in 1899. It is native to North America, with confirmed records from Texas. The species belongs to a genus whose members are known as specialized predators of scale insects.
Hyperaspis schaefferi
Schaeffer's lady beetle, Schaeffer's Coastal Lady Beetle
Hyperaspis schaefferi is a small lady beetle (Coccinellidae) known from North America, with records primarily from Texas. Adults measure 2.20–2.75 mm in length. The species is distinguished from the similar Hyperaspis caseyi by having an incomplete lateral vitta on the elytron. As a member of the genus Hyperaspis, it is likely a predator of scale insects, though specific ecological data for this species are limited.
Hyperaspis signata
Red-spotted Sigil complex
Hyperaspis signata is a species of lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae, found in North America from Massachusetts to Florida and west to Wisconsin and Texas. Adults are small (2.6–4.0 mm), with males displaying yellow anterior and lateral margins on the pronotum. The elytra bear one or two yellow or red spots. The species includes two recognized subspecies: H. s. signata (eastern) and H. s. bicentralis (Oklahoma and Texas).
Hyperaspis taeniata
Ribboned lady beetle, Ribboned Sigil Lady Beetle
Hyperaspis taeniata, known as the ribboned lady beetle, is a small predatory beetle in the family Coccinellidae. Adults measure 2.2–3 mm in length. Males are distinguished by a yellow lateral border on the pronotum. The species is native to western North America, with confirmed records from California, Arizona, and Utah. Like other Hyperaspis species, it is a specialist predator of scale insects and their eggs.
Hyperaspis troglodytes
troglodyte lady beetle
Hyperaspis troglodytes, known as the troglodyte lady beetle, is a small North American species in the family Coccinellidae. Adults measure 2.0-2.75 mm in length. The species is distinguished from similar Hyperaspis by the widely separated basal spots on the elytra. It has been recorded from six U.S. states and three Canadian provinces.
Hyperaspis undulata
undulate lady beetle, Undulate Sigil Lady Beetle
Hyperaspis undulata is a small North American lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae. Adults measure 1.80–2.75 mm in length. The elytra are black with a distinctive lateral vitta (stripe). The species is distributed across much of North America, with records from Canada (Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, Manitoba) and numerous U.S. states including Connecticut, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Washington, and Wisconsin.
Hyperaspis weisei
Weise's lady beetle
Hyperaspis weisei, commonly known as Weise's lady beetle, is a small species of lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae. Adults measure approximately 2.25 mm in length. The species is native to North America, with confirmed records from Texas. Like other members of the genus Hyperaspis, it is likely a predator of scale insects, though specific prey relationships for this species remain undocumented.
Limonia venusta
V-marked Lady Beetle
Limonia venusta, commonly known as the V-marked Lady Beetle, is a metallic blue beetle with a distinctive orange pronotum. The subspecies Neoharmonia venusta ampla is restricted to a narrow geographic range from central Arizona to south Texas. This beetle is not commonly encountered despite its striking appearance. It was documented during field surveys in New Mexico, specifically along the Middle Fork of the Gila River.
Macronaemia
Macronaemia is a genus of lady beetles (family Coccinellidae) containing three described species. The genus was established by Casey in 1899 and was long considered monotypic until additional species were recognized. It belongs to the diverse lady beetle radiation but remains relatively poorly documented compared to more familiar genera such as Coccinella or Harmonia.
Macronaemia episcopalis
Episcopal Ladybird
Macronaemia episcopalis is a small lady beetle species in the family Coccinellidae, known by the common name Episcopal Ladybird. Adults measure approximately 3.25–4 mm in length. The species is distributed across North America from Ontario and New York westward to Yukon and northern California, with additional records from Canadian provinces including Alberta, British Columbia, and Manitoba. The genus Macronaemia currently contains three described species.
Mulsantina
Mulsantina is a genus of lady beetles (family Coccinellidae) native to North and Central America and the Caribbean. The genus was established by Julius Weise in 1906, honoring French entomologist Étienne Mulsant, who had previously described this group under the name Cleis—a name later found to be preoccupied. The genus contains approximately nine species.
Mulsantina cyathigera
Ivory Lady Beetle
Mulsantina cyathigera is a small lady beetle (Coccinellidae) native to Central and North America, ranging from Guatemala through Mexico to the southern United States. Adults measure 3.3–4.7 mm and are characterized by a yellow body with distinctive brown markings: an M-shaped pattern on the pronotum and six spots on the elytra. The species is commonly known as the Ivory Lady Beetle.
Mulsantina hudsonica
Hudsonian lady beetle, Hudsonian Ladybird
Mulsantina hudsonica, known as the Hudsonian lady beetle, is a small predatory beetle in the family Coccinellidae. It is native to North America with a broad transcontinental range. The species is recognized by its distinctive yellow coloration with black markings on the head and pronotum, and brown and black patterns on the elytra. It has been documented as a predator of the balsam woolly adelgid.
Mulsantina luteodorsa
clay-colored lady beetle, Saffron Lady Beetle
A small lady beetle measuring 3.8–4.6 mm, endemic to the southeastern United States. The pronotum is yellow with two black vittae, and the elytra are unmarked. It is one of the lesser-known species in the genus Mulsantina.
Myzia interrupta
Broken-dashed Lady Beetle
Myzia interrupta, commonly known as the broken-dashed lady beetle, is a species of lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae. Adults measure 6.5–8 mm in length and are characterized by pale yellowish-brown coloration with distinctive pronotal spotting and elytral markings. The species is found across western North America, from Alberta and British Columbia south to western Texas and California.
Myzia pullata
Streaked Lady Beetle
Myzia pullata, commonly known as the streaked lady beetle, is a species of lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae. It is native to North America with a broad geographic range extending from Labrador to South Carolina and westward to Alberta and Colorado. Adults are relatively large for the family, measuring 6.5–8 mm in length, and display distinctive pale brownish-yellow coloration with dark brown markings on the pronotum.
Myzia subvittata
Subvittate Lady Beetle
Myzia subvittata is a North American lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae. Adults measure 5.7–8 mm in length and exhibit distinctive yellowish brown coloration with dark brown markings on the pronotum and elytra. The species has been documented from western Canada through the western United States to southern California.
Naemia seriata litigiosa
Western Seaside Lady Beetle
Naemia seriata litigiosa is a subspecies of lady beetle (Coccinellidae) known as the Western Seaside Lady Beetle. It is distributed in coastal regions of western North America and the Caribbean. The species belongs to a small genus of lady beetles associated with saline and coastal environments.
Neda
Neda is a genus of beetles in the family Coccinellidae (ladybird beetles). The genus was established by Chambers in 1874. It is currently recognized as a synonym of Autoneda in some classifications, though sources vary in its taxonomic treatment. The genus belongs to the diverse ladybird beetle family, which includes many species valued for their predatory habits on agricultural pests.
Neoharmonia venusta
V-marked Lady Beetle
Neoharmonia venusta is a species of lady beetle (Coccinellidae) found across much of North America and Mexico. The species comprises two recognized subspecies: N. v. venusta in the eastern and central United States, and N. v. ampla in the southwestern U.S. and Mexico. The nominate subspecies displays a metallic blue coloration with an orange pronotum, while the southwestern subspecies N. v. ampla is notably less commonly encountered.
Neoharmonia venusta ampla
V-marked Lady Beetle
Neoharmonia venusta ampla is a subspecies of lady beetle (Coccinellidae) distinguished by its striking metallic blue elytra and orange pronotum. This subspecies has a restricted range in the southwestern United States, occurring from central Arizona to south Texas. It is not commonly encountered in the field. The species name 'venusta' refers to its beautiful appearance, while 'ampla' denotes this larger, more western subspecies.
Neoharmonia venusta venusta
V-marked Lady Beetle
Neoharmonia venusta venusta is a subspecies of lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae. The nominate subspecies is characterized by distinctive coloration including a metallic blue elytra with an orange or reddish pronotum, creating a striking V-shaped or contrasting pattern. It occurs in North America, with records spanning multiple regions. Like other lady beetles, it is a predator of soft-bodied insects. The species has been documented through citizen science platforms and appears to be encountered regularly enough to have accumulated several hundred observations.
Nephaspis
minute lady beetles
Nephaspis is a genus of minute lady beetles in the family Coccinellidae. Species within this genus are specialized predators of whiteflies, particularly Bemisia argentifolii, and have been extensively studied as biological control agents. The genus was established by Casey in 1899. Many species formerly placed in Nephaspis have been reclassified to Clitostethus. The best-studied species, N. oculatus, exhibits a Type II functional response to prey density and completes development from egg to adult in approximately 24 days at 26°C.
Nephaspis oculatus
eyed lady
Nephaspis oculatus is a small coccinellid beetle specialized as a predator of whitefly eggs. Under laboratory conditions at 26°C, development from egg to adult averages 22.7 days. The species exhibits highly specific feeding behavior, consuming only eggs of Bemisia argentifolii and rejecting nymphal and adult stages. Both larvae and adults are predatory, with consumption increasing through larval instars. The species has been evaluated for biological control potential against silverleaf whitefly in agricultural systems.
Nephus
Nephus is a genus of small lady beetles in the family Coccinellidae, subfamily Scymninae. The genus contains more than 25 described species. Several former species have been transferred to the genus Scymnobius. Members of this genus are known as specialized predators of mealybugs and have been investigated for biological control of these pests.
Nephus atramentarius
dusky lady beetle
Nephus atramentarius is a small lady beetle species in the family Coccinellidae. It was originally described as Scymnobius atramentarius by Boheman in 1859. The species is found in North America. It belongs to the genus Nephus, which contains minute lady beetles often associated with scale insects.
Nephus binaevatus
Dusky Lady Beetle
Nephus binaevatus is a small lady beetle species in the family Coccinellidae, commonly known as the Dusky Lady Beetle. The genus Nephus comprises diminutive lady beetles, many of which are associated with scale insects and mealybugs as prey. This species has a notably broad geographic distribution spanning Africa, North America, and Oceania, suggesting either natural dispersal capabilities or human-mediated spread. The specific epithet 'binaevatus' refers to two spots or markings, though the exact pattern requires verification from specimen examination.
Nephus flavifrons
yellow-fronted lady beetle
Nephus flavifrons, commonly known as the yellow-fronted lady beetle, is a small lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae. It belongs to a genus of dusky lady beetles characterized by their diminutive size and often subtle coloration compared to more conspicuous lady beetles. The species occurs in North America, with records from Canada and the northeastern United States.
Nephus georgei
George's lady beetle, Farmer's lady beetle
Nephus georgei is a small lady beetle species in the family Coccinellidae, commonly known as George's lady beetle or Farmer's lady beetle. It belongs to the genus Nephus, a group of dusky lady beetles characterized by their diminutive size and often subdued coloration compared to the brightly patterned lady beetles of the genus Coccinella. The species is known from limited records in North America.
Nephus intrusus
Nephus intrusus is a small dusky lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae, first described by Horn in 1895. The species was formerly classified under the genus Scymnobius but is currently placed in Nephus. It is known from limited observations in North America, with documented records from Ontario, Canada. Like other members of the subfamily Scymninae, it likely preys on scale insects and mealybugs, though specific ecological studies are sparse.
Nephus ornatus
ornate lady beetle
Nephus ornatus is a small lady beetle species in the family Coccinellidae, commonly known as the ornate lady beetle. It is classified among the dusky lady beetles, a group characterized by generally subdued coloration compared to the brightly patterned lady beetles more familiar to the public. The species was described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1850 and is known to occur across North America.
Nephus sordidus
Little Brown Mealybug Destroyer, Sordid Ladybug
Nephus sordidus is a small dusky lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae. Commonly known as the little brown mealybug destroyer or sordid ladybug, this species is found in North America. It belongs to the genus Nephus, a group of minute lady beetles often associated with scale insects and mealybugs. The species was originally described by Horn in 1895 and has been documented in Canadian provinces including Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, and Saskatchewan.
Nephus timberlakei
dusky lady beetle
Nephus timberlakei is a species of dusky lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae. It was described by Gordon in 1985 and is found in North America. The species belongs to the genus Nephus, a group of small lady beetles often referred to as dusky lady beetles due to their typically subdued coloration compared to the brightly colored Coccinellinae.
Nipus
Nipus is a genus of lady beetles in the family Coccinellidae, established by Casey in 1899. The genus comprises at least four described species distributed in North America: N. biplagiatus and N. niger (both described by Casey, 1899), and N. occiduus and N. planatus (both described by Gordon, 1970). These beetles are part of the diverse Coccinellidae family, which includes many species valued for predation on pest insects.
Novius
Novius is a genus of ladybird beetles (Coccinellidae) and the sole member of the tribe Noviini. The genus contains over 70 species, most formerly placed in the genera Rodolia and Anovia, which are now considered junior synonyms. Species of Novius are specialist predators of scale insects, particularly cotton cushion scales in the genus Icerya, and have been widely used in classical biological control programs. The best-known species, Novius cardinalis (the vedalia beetle), was introduced from Australia to California in the 1880s and achieved historic success in controlling Icerya purchasi.
Novius koebelei
Koebele's ladybird
Novius koebelei is a ladybird beetle native to Australia, first described by Olliff in 1892. The species exhibits notable color variation, having been described as new six times after its original description due to this variation. It has been introduced to New Zealand, where it was first recorded in Auckland in 2006, and to California for biological control purposes alongside N. cardinalis, though it is not believed to persist there now.
Novius virginalis
Native Anovia
Novius virginalis is a small lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae, measuring 2.43–3.05 mm in length. The species was formerly classified under the genus Anovia, and is distinguished by its red body with dark markings on the head, pronotum, and elytra. It occurs in the southwestern United States.
Olla
Lady beetle
Olla is a genus of lady beetles (Coccinellidae) in the subfamily Coccinellinae. Members of this genus are predatory beetles known for their role in biological control of pest insects. The genus includes species such as Olla v-nigrum, commonly known as the ash-gray lady beetle.
Olla v-nigrum
Ashy Gray Lady Beetle
Olla v-nigrum is a small lady beetle (Coccinellidae) native to the Americas, commonly known as the ashy gray lady beetle. The species exhibits striking color polymorphism, occurring in both gray-with-black-spots and black-with-red-spots forms. It has been widely introduced outside its native range for biological control of psyllids and aphids, though its effectiveness is often compromised by parasitism and competition with other lady beetles. The species name refers to the distinctive V-shaped marking on the pronotum originally described by Mulsant.
Phalacrotophora
scuttle flies
Phalacrotophora is a genus of scuttle flies (Diptera: Phoridae) comprising at least 50 described species. Species in this genus are parasitoids of ladybird beetles (Coccinellidae), attacking host pupae. Documented hosts include Anatis ocellata, Olla v-nigrum, and Harmonia axyridis. The genus has been recorded from Europe and the Pacific region.
Propylea
fourteen-spotted lady beetles
Propylea is a genus of small lady beetles (Coccinellidae) containing four recognized species. The most widely known member, Propylea quatuordecimpunctata, is native to the Palearctic region and has become invasive in North America. Propylea japonica is an important biological control agent in Chinese agroecosystems, where it preys on aphids, whiteflies, and other soft-bodied pests. Species in this genus exhibit complex behaviors including selective foraging, intraguild predation, and mating-related dietary shifts.
Psyllobora parvinotata
Small-spotted Fairy Lady Beetle, small-spotted psyllobora
Psyllobora parvinotata is a minute lady beetle in the tribe Psylloborini, distinguished by its reduced spot pattern compared to congeners. Adults measure 2.75–3.40 mm and exhibit pale, often faint markings on the elytra. The species occurs in the southeastern United States, with records from Florida to Louisiana. It belongs to a genus whose members are specialized feeders on powdery mildews and other plant-pathogenic fungi.
Psyllobora schwarzi
Schwarz's Fairy Lady Beetle
Psyllobora schwarzi is a small lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae, commonly known as Schwarz's Fairy Lady Beetle. The genus Psyllobora comprises diminutive, often pale-colored species sometimes referred to as 'fairy lady beetles.' As of current records, this species has relatively few documented observations, suggesting it may be uncommon, geographically restricted, or underreported due to its small size. It belongs to a genus whose members are typically associated with powdery mildew fungi rather than the aphid prey of larger lady beetles.
Sasajiscymnus tsugae
hemlock woolly adelgid lady beetle
Sasajiscymnus tsugae is a small black lady beetle native to Japan that was introduced to eastern North America as a biological control agent against the invasive hemlock woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae). First described in 1997 and released in the United States beginning in 1995, this predator has established populations in forest and urban environments. The species exhibits high host specificity, feeding primarily on three adelgid species. Field studies demonstrated 47–88% reduction in adelgid densities within five months of beetle introduction.
Scymninae
Scymnine lady beetles, Minute lady beetles
Scymninae is a subfamily of minute lady beetles within Coccinellidae, comprising at least 170 described species globally. Members are recognized as efficient biological control agents, particularly in agricultural systems. The subfamily is taxonomically diverse, represented by 5 tribes, 15 genera, and 138 species in the Indian subcontinent alone. Species within Scymninae exhibit morphological characteristics distinct from other coccinellid subfamilies, including specific arrangements of coxal lines and genitalia structures.