Scale-insect-predator
Guides
Azya
Azya is a genus of lady beetles (family Coccinellidae) comprising approximately 12 described species. The genus is notable for its unusual coloration—many species display cobalt blue rather than the typical red-orange-and-black pattern of most coccinellids. Azya species are predators of scale insects, particularly in agricultural settings. The genus was established by Mulsant in 1850 and occurs primarily in the Neotropics.
Baphala pallida
Baphala pallida is a small snout moth species in the family Pyralidae, first described by John Henry Comstock in 1880. It is distributed across multiple U.S. states in the southern and western regions. The species has a wingspan of 15–19 mm and exhibits distinctive pale gray forewings with strongly contrasted blackish discal dots and transverse markings. Notably, its larvae are specialized predators of scale insects, a relatively uncommon feeding strategy among pyralid moths.
Brachiacantha tau
t-marked larkspur lady beetle, T-marked Spurleg
Brachiacantha tau is a small lady beetle (Coccinellidae) measuring approximately 2–3 mm in length. Adults are oval and shiny. The species is notable for its larval biology: larvae feed on scale insects within ant colonies, making them rarely observed. Adults are sometimes found on flowers or hunting in foliage. The specific epithet "tau" refers to a T-shaped marking on the species.
Chamaemyiidae
silver flies, aphid flies
Chamaemyiidae is a small family of acalyptrate flies comprising fewer than 200 described species worldwide. Adults are minute (1–5 mm), typically greyish, and morphologically characterized by reduced bristling. Larvae are active predators of Sternorrhyncha, particularly aphids, adelgids, and scale insects, making several species valuable biological control agents. The family has been deployed in classical biological control programs targeting invasive pests such as the hemlock woolly adelgid and pink hibiscus mealybug. Fossil records are sparse but extend to the Eocene.
Chilocorus bipustulatus
heather ladybird, heather lady beetle
Chilocorus bipustulatus is a small lady beetle in the subfamily Chilocorinae, commonly known as the heather ladybird. It is widely distributed across the Palearctic and has been introduced to tropical Africa, Hawaii, and North America for biological control. The species is recognized by its shiny brown elytra with two reddish-orange spots. Both adults and larvae are specialist predators of scale insects, particularly armored scales (Diaspididae), and are used commercially to manage scale infestations in orchards and forests.
Chilocorus nigrita
black ladybird beetle, black lady beetle
Chilocorus nigrita is a species of ladybird beetle in the family Coccinellidae. It belongs to the genus Chilocorus, which comprises small, often dark-colored ladybirds that feed primarily on scale insects. The species is known from forested habitats and is considered a beneficial predator in natural ecosystems. Unlike some commercially used ladybird species, Chilocorus nigrita is not widely sold for biological control purposes.
Chilocorus orbus
twice-stabbed lady beetle, two-stabbed lady beetle
Chilocorus orbus is a small predatory lady beetle native to western North America. Adults are readily identified by their shiny black, dome-shaped bodies with two prominent oval red patches positioned near the head on the elytra. The species is an important biological control agent, feeding voraciously on scale insects in forests, orchards, and gardens. Both adults and larvae are predatory, with larvae described as resembling miniature alligators with branching spines.
Chilocorus stigma
Twice-stabbed Lady Beetle, Twice-stabbed Ladybird Beetle
Chilocorus stigma, commonly known as the twice-stabbed lady beetle, is a predatory coccinellid native to eastern North America. It is recognized by its glossy black elytra each bearing a single red spot, giving the appearance of two "stabs." The species primarily inhabits forested environments where it preys on scale insects and other small arthropods. It has been introduced to Hawaii and is valued as a biological control agent, though it is not commercially available for this purpose.
Coccivora californica
Coccivora californica is a species of minute pirate bug in the family Anthocoridae, first described by McAtee and Malloch in 1925. The genus name 'Coccivora' indicates a diet centered on scale insects (Coccoidea). This species is native to North America and has been recorded from California.
Cryptognatha
Cryptognatha is a genus of lady beetles (family Coccinellidae) established by Mulsant in 1850. The genus contains at least 40 described species, with members distributed across tropical and subtropical regions. At least one species, Cryptognatha nodiceps, has been studied as a potential biological control agent against scale insects.
Cryptolaemus
Cryptolaemus is a genus of predatory lady beetles (Coccinellidae) native to eastern Australia, New Guinea, and Indonesia. The genus contains approximately 40 species, with Cryptolaemus montrouzieri being the most widely known and commercially important. Both larvae and adults prey primarily upon mealybugs and other scale insects. C. montrouzieri has been introduced globally as a biological control agent and is commonly known as the mealybug destroyer.
Cryptothelea gloverii
Glover's Bagworm Moth
Cryptothelea gloverii is a bagworm moth (family Psychidae) found in North and Central America. The larval stage constructs a portable case from silk and plant debris, a defining trait of the family. It has been documented feeding on citrus, particularly orange trees, and preying on the camphor scale (Pseudaonidia duplex), a scale insect pest.
Cybocephalus
Cybocephalus is a genus of small beetles in the family Cybocephalidae, comprising over 200 described species. Members are specialized predators of scale insects (Coccoidea), particularly diaspidids (armored scales) and other sessile Hemiptera. The genus has been widely studied for biological control applications against agricultural and horticultural pests. Species occur across multiple continents with documented distributions in Asia, Australia, Europe, North America, and the Middle East.
Cybocephalus californicus
Cybocephalus californicus is a minute beetle species in the family Cybocephalidae, described by Horn in 1879. The species is native to western North America, with documented occurrence in British Columbia, Canada. Adults measure 0.95–1.30 mm in length. Members of the genus Cybocephalus are known as predatory beetles that feed on scale insects and whiteflies, though species-specific biological details for C. californicus remain poorly documented.
Cybocephalus nipponicus
Cybocephalus nipponicus is a minute beetle in the family Cybocephalidae, measuring 1–1.35 mm in length. Originally described from Japan, it has been introduced to multiple continents and is now established in Africa, the Caribbean, Europe, North America, Oceania, and Southern Asia. The species is recognized as a potential biological control agent, particularly against armored scale insects.
Elatophilus
minute pirate bugs
Elatophilus is a genus of minute pirate bugs (family Anthocoridae) comprising approximately 15 described species. Species in this genus are specialist predators associated with coniferous trees, particularly pine. Several species have been studied as biological control agents of scale insects that damage commercially important pine stands. The genus shows strong host-specificity, with life cycles tightly coupled to their prey and host tree phenology.
Eronyxa
Eronyxa is a genus of beetles in the family Lophocateridae (formerly treated as Trogossitidae). The genus was described by Reitter in 1876. Larvae of Eronyxa expansus have been documented as common predators of the incense cedar scale (Xylococculus macrocarpae) in California.
Eublemma
Eublemma is a genus of small moths in the family Erebidae, containing over 400 species distributed across tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. The genus was described by Jacob Hübner in 1829 and has undergone taxonomic revision, previously placed in Noctuidae or as the type genus of subfamily Eublemminae. Several species are economically significant as predators of scale insects, particularly E. amabilis, which attacks lac insects (Kerria spp.) and has been investigated as a biological control agent.
Euclemensia
Euclemensia is a genus of small moths in the family Cosmopterigidae, subfamily Antequerinae. The genus contains at least five described species distributed in North America, including the Kermes Scale Moth (Euclemensia bassettella), which has been documented feeding on scale insects. These are minute moths, with adults typically measuring only a few millimeters in wingspan. The genus was established by Grote in 1878.
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 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 bigeminata
bigeminy lady beetle, Bigeminate Sigil Lady Beetle
Hyperaspis bigeminata is a small lady beetle native to North America, ranging from Maine to Florida and west to Michigan and east Texas. Adults measure 2.40–3.35 mm and display distinct sexual dimorphism in pronotum coloration. The species is a specialized predator of scale insects, with larvae that produce a protective white waxy coating often mistaken for mealybugs.
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 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 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 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 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 levrati
Levrat's lady beetle
Hyperaspis levrati is a small lady beetle native to North America, recorded from Mexico, Arizona, Texas, and Colorado. Adults measure 2.2–3.0 mm. Males display a yellow anterior margin and lateral area of the pronotum, while females have a black anterior margin with yellow lateral areas. The elytra bear four or sometimes five spots. Like other Hyperaspis species, it is a specialized predator of 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 octonotata
eight-spotted lady beetle
Hyperaspis octonotata, commonly known as the eight-spotted lady beetle, is a small predatory beetle in the family Coccinellidae. Adults measure 2.3–3.5 mm in length and are characterized by four distinct spots on each elytron. The species is native to North America, with a distribution spanning from the western United States to southernmost Texas. Like other members of the genus Hyperaspis, it is a specialized predator of scale insects and other small soft-bodied 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 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.
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 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 quadrivittata
Four-streaked Lady Beetle
Hyperaspis quadrivittata is a small lady beetle (2.0-2.7 mm) native to western North America, found primarily west of the 100th meridian. It is a member of the Coccinellidae family and is distinguished by four red or yellowish streaks on its black elytra. Like other Hyperaspis species, it is a predator of scale insects, though specific prey associations for this species are not well documented in the literature.