Stethorus punctum


Stethorus punctum, known generally as the spider mite destroyer or black mite destroyer, is a species of lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae. It is found in North America.

Description

Adults reach a length of about 1.35-1.55 mm. They have a black body, while the antennae, mouthparts and legs are yellow. In subspecies picipes, the legs are black or dark brown.

Biology

Stethorus punctum is strictly a predator of plant-feeding mites, particularly the spider mites such as the European [red mite] and the two-spotted spider mite, and especially the eggs.

Subspecies

These two subspecies belong to the species Stethorus punctum:
  • Stethorus punctum picipes Casey, 1899
  • ''Stethorus punctum punctum''