Exochomus aethiops
(Bland, 1864)
Ebony Shield Lady Beetle, round black ladybug
Exochomus aethiops is a small lady beetle in the Coccinellidae, commonly known as the round black or Ebony Shield Lady Beetle. measure 3–4.2 mm in length and are uniformly black with yellowish brown and mouthparts. The occurs across Central America and North America, with records from South Dakota to New Mexico, west to Alberta and southern California.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Exochomus aethiops: //ɛkˈsoʊkoʊməs ˈiːθiˌoʊps//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
are small (3–4.2 mm), round, and uniformly black with yellowish brown and mouthparts. The entirely black and small size distinguish it from many other North American lady beetles, which often bear spots or contrasting patterns.
Distribution
Central America and North America. In North America, recorded from South Dakota to New Mexico, west to Alberta (Canada) and southern California.
Similar Taxa
- Exochomus marginipennisSimilar small black lady beetle, but E. marginipennis has distinct pale lateral margins on the , which E. aethiops lacks.
- Chilocorus stigmaBoth are small black lady beetles, but C. stigma has two distinct red spots on the .
Sources and further reading
- BugGuide
- Wikipedia
- GBIF taxonomy match
- iNaturalist taxon
- Bug Eric: Wasp Wednesday: Anoplius aethiops
- Rosie defoliators: Roseslug sawfly, Endelomyia aethiops, Curled rose sawfly, Allantus cinctus, and Bristley rose sawfly, Cladius pectinicornis — Bug of the Week
- Rosie defoliators - Roseslug sawfly, Endelomyia aethiops, Curled rose sawfly, Allantus cinctus, and Cladius pectinicornis — Bug of the Week
- Bug Eric: Moving, Again
- Bug Eric: Spider Sunday: Dotted Wolf Spider
- Archive — Bug of the Week