Anatis rathvoni
LeConte, 1852
Flying Saucer Lady Beetle, Rathvon Lady Beetle
A large lady beetle native to western North America, recognized by its distinctive flattened, disc-like body shape that gives rise to its 'flying saucer lady beetle'. exhibit variable coloration from yellow to brownish-red with black markings. The was named in honor of Simon Rathvon, a 19th-century American entomologist. It is one of the larger members of the Anatis.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Anatis rathvoni: //əˈneɪtɪs ˈræθvoʊnaɪ//
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Identification
Distinguished from other Anatis by its flattened, saucer-like body profile and large size (7.5-10.2 mm). The variable yellow to brownish-red coloration with black markings separates it from the more uniformly colored Anatis lecontei (Giant Lady Beetle), which is typically red with black spots. The 'flying saucer lady beetle' directly references this unique body shape.
Images
Habitat
Found in foothill and mountain including mixed conifer forest and scrub oak zones. Occurs from lower elevations near parking areas and grasslands up to higher elevation forest transitions.
Distribution
Western North America: recorded from southern Alberta and Saskatchewan through British Columbia, south to northern California. Documented in Colorado at Blodgett Peak Open Space in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.
Similar Taxa
- Anatis leconteiSimilar large size and , but A. lecontei is typically bright red with distinct black spots and lacks the flattened 'flying saucer' body profile of A. rathvoni
- Other Anatis speciesA. rathvoni is distinguished by its unique flattened body shape and western North American distribution
More Details
Etymology
Named for Simon Rathvon (1812-1887), a 19th-century American entomologist from Pennsylvania known for his work on Coleoptera