Scale-insect-predator
Guides
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 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 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.
Laetilia coccidivora
scale-feeding snout moth, Scale-feeding Snout
Laetilia coccidivora is a small pyralid moth whose larvae are specialized predators of scale insects (family Coccidae). First described by Comstock in 1879, it occurs in the southern United States and has been documented in Mexico preying on Coccus pseudomagnoliarum. The species is notable among Lepidoptera for its entomophagous diet and use of sequestered carminic acid from its prey for chemical defense.
Laetilia myersella
Laetilia myersella is a species of snout moth (family Pyralidae) described by Harrison Gray Dyar Jr. in 1910. It occurs in eastern North America, with records from Florida, Massachusetts, South Carolina, and West Virginia. The species has a wingspan of 11–17 mm. Its larvae are specialized predators of scale insects on pine trees.
Lauxanioidea
Lauxanioidea is a superfamily of true flies (Diptera) comprising three families: Lauxaniidae, Chamaemyiidae, and Celyphidae. Members are small to medium-sized flies, often densely bristled and variably colored. The superfamily is defined by three synapomorphies: convergent postocellar bristles, an abbreviated anal wing vein, and fusion of male abdominal tergites 7 and 8. Lauxaniidae and Celyphidae are sister groups based on molecular phylogenetics. Ecologically, the families diverge sharply: Chamaemyiidae are predators of Sternorrhyncha (aphids, scale insects, adelgids), while Lauxaniidae and Celyphidae larvae primarily feed on decaying vegetation.
Microweisea coccidivora
Banded Pinpoint Lady Beetle
Microweisea coccidivora is a minute lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae, measuring only 0.8–1.0 mm in length. The species is recorded from the southeastern United States, specifically Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina. Its specific epithet "coccidivora" indicates a diet specializing in scale insects (family Coccidae). The beetle is associated with scale-infested trees in urban environments, where it functions as a natural enemy of pest scales.
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 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.
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.
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 forestieri
Forestier's lady beetle
Rhyzobius forestieri is a small lady beetle native to Australia, introduced to Europe and North America in the 1980s as a biological control agent for scale insects. The species has been evaluated for its efficacy in controlling Olive Scale (Saissetia oleae) and other scale pests, with variable success reported in different regions. It exhibits colour variation and wax production across all life stages, and displays specialized defensive and feeding behaviours. The species is now established in multiple continents outside its native range.
Scymnus suturalis
Pine Dusky Lady Beetle
Scymnus suturalis is a tiny ladybird beetle (2.0–2.5 mm) native to the Palearctic, now introduced to North America. It inhabits coniferous and mixed forests, where it feeds primarily on scale insects (Coccoidea), particularly Chionaspis salicis, and adelgids on pine. The species has been found under bark flakes, in moss on tree trunks, and in conifer litter. Its small size and hairy elytra distinguish it from larger, more familiar ladybird species.