Exoplectra

Chevrolat, 1836

Species Guides

1

Exoplectra is a of lady beetles (Coccinellidae) in the tribe Coccidulini. The genus contains approximately 40 described distributed primarily in the Neotropical region. Members of this genus are small to medium-sized beetles, with several species exhibiting metallic or brightly colored . The genus was established by Chevrolat in 1836.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Exoplectra: //ˌɛk.soʊˈplɛk.trə//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

Exoplectra can be distinguished from other Coccidulini by their compact, oval body shape and the structure of the . Many species display distinctive color patterns, including metallic green, blue, or coppery , often with contrasting spots or markings. The pronotum is typically narrow with angles that are not strongly produced. Examination of male genitalia is often required for definitive species identification.

Distribution

Neotropical region, with records from Central and South America including Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, and the Caribbean. The shows highest diversity in Amazonian and Atlantic Forest biomes.

Similar Taxa

  • CoccidulaBoth belong to tribe Coccidulini and share similar small, elongate-oval body forms, but Coccidula are generally more slender with longer and are predominantly Palearctic in distribution.
  • BrumoidesSimilar in size and general appearance, but Brumoides typically have more distinctly spotted elytral patterns and different tarsal structure.
  • CryptognathaAnother Coccidulini with overlapping Neotropical distribution; Cryptognatha often have more convex body profiles and different mandibular structure.

More Details

Taxonomic history

The authorship and date of Exoplectra has been cited variously as Chevrolat in Dejean, 1836; Chevrolat, 1837; and Chevrolat, 1844. The earliest available date is 1836 from Dejean's catalogue. The has remained relatively stable taxonomically, though -level revisions are needed for many Neotropical .

Notable species

Exoplectra schaefferi Gordon, 1985 is known as Schaeffer's lady beetle. Exoplectra miniata and E. calcarata were described by Germar in 1824, making them among the earliest described in the . Exoplectra aenea and E. coccinea were described by Fabricius in 1801, originally placed in other genera before transfer to Exoplectra.

Sources and further reading