Genus Hyperaspis is one of the largest in North America – there are 32 species in the east alone – but consists of very tiny beetles, none more than 5 mm long. I’ve finally finished all 32 species pages, most with information only, but 8 have full-color illustrations. They are some of the most beautiful, colorful lady beetles, and it’s a shame they’re so small! Here are just a few – click on the image for a full species page:

Bolter's Lady Beetle, Hyperaspis bolteri

Connected Lady Beetle, Hyperaspis connectens

Undulate Lady Beetle, Hyperaspis undulata

Hyperaspis species are aphid and scale predators, but they probably also consume other small, soft-bodied insects and insect eggs. They are extremely similar to genus Brachiacantha, but lack the distinctive foreleg spurs of that genus. (You need a magnifying glass to see the difference, but it’s a surefire way to tell them apart!)