Ceratomegilla ulkei
Crotch, 1873
Ulke's Boreal Ladybeetle
Ceratomegilla ulkei is a small lady beetle in the Coccinellidae. measure 3.70–4.70 mm in length. The species exhibits a distinctive color pattern with a black bearing two yellow spots, a black pronotum with yellow lateral margins, and black with pale margins—though this pattern is variable. It has a transcontinental distribution spanning Europe, Northern Asia (excluding China), and North America.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Ceratomegilla ulkei: /ˌsɛrətoʊˈmɛɡɪlə ˈʌlkaɪ/
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Identification
Distinguished from similar lady beetles by the combination of small size (under 5 mm), black with two yellow spots, and black pronotum with yellow lateral margins. The variable pale marginal markings on the may cause confusion with other dark-colored Coccinellidae, but the specific head and pronotum pattern is diagnostic. The overall dark coloration with limited yellow markings distinguishes it from more brightly colored lady beetle .
Images
Appearance
are small lady beetles, 3.70–4.70 mm in length. The is black with two yellow spots. The pronotum is black with a yellow lateral margin. The are black with pale margins, though this pattern is variable among individuals.
Distribution
Europe and Northern Asia (excluding China); North America including Alaska, British Columbia, Northwest Territories, Ontario, Yukon, and Alberta.
Similar Taxa
- Other Ceratomegilla speciesSimilar -level and dark coloration; distinguished by specific spot and pronotum margin patterns
- Dark-colored Coccinella speciesSimilar size and general lady beetle form; distinguished by and pronotum color patterns and elytral markings
More Details
Taxonomic note
Ceratomegilla has historically been treated as a subgenus of Coccinella by some authors, though currently recognized as a distinct . The epithet 'ulkei' honors American entomologist George H. Ulke (1828–1910), known for his work on Coleoptera.