Hyperaspis trifurcata, also known as the trident lady beetle, is a species of lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae. It is found in North America, where it has been recorded from Mexico (Durango), Arizona and Texas. It has been deliberately introduced as a biological control agent in Israel, targeting invasive populations of Dactylopius opuntiae, and has recently been recorded in Jordan. Both larvae and adults are specialist predators of the cochineal scale (Dactylopius spp.), which feed on prickly pear cacti of the genus Opuntia. The larval and pupal stages are parasitized by the encyrtid wasp Homalotylus cockerelli.
From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Is it venomous or poisonous?
We have no record of Trident Lady Beetle being toxic, poisonous or venomous. That is not proof that it is safe. Never eat, touch or handle a wild plant, mushroom or animal on the strength of an identification; ask someone qualified.
Easily confused with
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Coccinellidae
- Genus
- Hyperaspis
- Species
- Hyperaspis trifurcata
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