Exochomus childreni
Mulsant, 1850
Species Guides
2Exochomus childreni is a small lady beetle ( Coccinellidae) native to the southeastern United States. measure 2.80–3.60 mm in length and display distinctive coloration: black and pronotum with yellowish-red bearing a black subapical spot. The comprises two recognized with partially overlapping but somewhat segregated geographic ranges.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Exochomus childreni: /ɛkˈsɒkəməs ˈtʃɪldrɪnaɪ/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Distinguished from other North American lady beetles by the combination of small size (under 4 mm), black pronotum, and yellowish-red with a single black subapical spot. The two are separated geographically: E. c. childreni in Florida versus E. c. guexi in Louisiana and southern Texas, though identification to subspecies requires examination of subtle morphological differences not detailed in available sources.
Images
Distribution
Southeastern United States: Florida, Louisiana, and southern Texas. The nominate E. c. childreni occurs in Florida, while E. c. guexi is found in Louisiana and southern Texas.
Similar Taxa
- Other Exochomus species in North AmericaMembers of this share the general body plan of small, often dark lady beetles, but E. childreni is distinguished by its specific elytral color pattern of yellowish-red with black subapical spot.
- General CoccinellidaeMany lady beetles exhibit red or orange and black coloration; E. childreni is separated by its small size, black pronotum, and the specific placement and form of the black elytral marking.
More Details
Subspecies
Two are recognized: Exochomus childreni childreni Mulsant, 1850 (Florida) and Exochomus childreni guexi LeConte, 1852 (Louisiana, southern Texas). The geographic segregation suggests potential ecological or climatic differentiation, though specific distinguishing characters are not documented in available sources.
Nomenclature
The specific epithet 'childreni' honors John George Children (1777–1852), an English chemist and zoologist who was a founding member of the Zoological Society of London.