Scale-predator
Guides
Chilocorus circumdatus
red chilocorus
Chilocorus circumdatus is a predatory lady beetle native to Southern Asia that has been introduced to Hawaii and established in Australia. The species is recognized by its helmet-shaped body and orange-red coloration with a fine black margin at the base of the wings. It is a specialized predator of armoured scale insects (Diaspididae), making it significant in biological control programs.
Cryptognatha nodiceps
coconut scale predator, sugarcane scale predator
Cryptognatha nodiceps is a small lady beetle introduced to multiple tropical and subtropical regions as a biological control agent targeting scale insects. Native to Trinidad and Tobago, it has established populations across the Caribbean, Florida, and various Pacific and Indian Ocean islands. Both larvae and adults are specialized predators of armored and soft scales, particularly the coconut scale (Aspidiotus destructor). The species has been deliberately released in numerous countries to manage coconut scale outbreaks in coconut-growing regions.
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 connectens
connected lady, Confluent Sigil Lady Beetle
Hyperaspis connectens, commonly known as the connected lady or Confluent Sigil Lady Beetle, is a small lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae. Adults measure approximately 2.3–3 mm in length. The species ranges from the southern United States through Central America and the Caribbean Islands to northern South America. Like other members of the genus Hyperaspis, it is a specialized predator of scale insects.
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 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 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 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 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 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 significans
waxy lady beetle
Hyperaspis significans is a small lady beetle native to southwestern North America. Adults measure 2.20–2.65 mm and display distinct sexual dimorphism in pronotum coloration. The species is a specialized predator of scale insects, with larvae that produce a conspicuous white waxy coating for protection. Like other members of the genus, it serves as an important biological control agent against pest scales.
Microweisea
Minute Lady Beetles
Microweisea is a genus of minute lady beetles (family Coccinellidae) established by Cockerell in 1903. These tiny beetles are among the smallest members of the lady beetle family. The genus currently includes approximately twelve described species distributed primarily in the Americas. Microweisea species have been documented as predators of scale insects in urban environments, where they contribute to biological control of these pests.
Microweisea minuta
Pinpoint Lady Beetle
Microweisea minuta is an exceptionally small lady beetle (family Coccinellidae) native to Texas. Adults measure under 1 mm in length, making it one of the smallest members of its family. The species has a dark, piceous-colored body with a dark brown ventral surface. Like other members of the genus Microweisea, it is associated with scale insects and likely serves as a predator of these pests in its habitat.
Microweisea misella
Micro Lady Beetle
Microweisea misella is a minute lady beetle (Coccinellidae) native to North America. Adults measure only 1–1.5 mm in length and are darkly colored. The species is a specialized predator of armored scale insects (Diaspididae), particularly on blueberry and other shrubs and trees. It has been documented across southern Canada and much of the United States, and is associated with urban and agricultural habitats where scale infestations occur.
Pharoscymnus
Pharoscymnus is a genus of lady beetles in the family Coccinellidae, established by Bedel in 1906. The genus comprises approximately 11 described species and is widely distributed across Asian and Afrotropical regions. Several species have been introduced to other regions, including Europe and the Americas, for biological control of scale insects. Members of this genus are recognized as specialized predators of scale insects (Coccoidea), with documented utility in agricultural pest management.
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.