Exochomus marginipennis
(LeConte, 1824)
Margined Lady Beetle
Exochomus marginipennis is a small lady beetle (Coccinellidae) native to North America. measure 2.50–3.60 mm in length. The exhibits in pronotum coloration: males have yellow anterolateral angles of the pronotum and yellow legs, while females have black or slightly pale anterolateral pronotal angles with dark legs. The are reddish-yellow with black spots. It has been recorded from New York south to Florida, and west to Kansas and eastern Texas.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Exochomus marginipennis: //ɛkˈsoʊkəməs ˌmɑːrdʒɪˈnɪpɛnɪs//
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 Coccinellidae by the combination of small size (under 4 mm), reddish-yellow with black spots, and sexually dimorphic pronotal coloration. The yellow anterolateral pronotal angles and legs in males versus dark in females provide a reliable diagnostic feature. Similar Exochomus may differ in spot pattern or body size; exact separation from requires examination of genitalia or other subtle morphological features not detailed in available sources.
Images
Appearance
Small, oval lady beetle. Length 2.50–3.60 mm. reddish-yellow with black spots. Pronotum with sexually dimorphic coloration: males have yellow anterolateral angles, females have black or slightly pale anterolateral angles. Legs yellow in males, dark in females. Body form compact, typical of the Exochomus.
Distribution
North America: recorded from New York to Florida, west to Kansas and eastern Texas.
Similar Taxa
- Other Exochomus speciesSimilar small size and general body form; may share spotted elytral patterns. Separation requires detailed morphological examination.
- General CoccinellidaeShared lady beetle ; E. marginipennis distinguished by small size, specific color pattern, and in pronotum and leg coloration.
More Details
Nomenclature
The was described by LeConte in 1824. The specific epithet marginipennis refers to the margined or bordered appearance of the wings.