Wax-producing-larvae

Guides

• 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.

  beneficial-insectbiological-controlscale-insect-predatorcamouflagewax-producing-larvaeurban-ecologyhorticultural-pest-managementCoccinellidaelady-beetleHyperaspis

• 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.

  lady-beetlebiological-controlscale-insect-predatorcryptic-larvaewestern-North-Americabeneficial-insectwax-producing-larvaeCoccinellidaeHyperaspisintegrated-pest-management