Coccinella monticola

Mulsant, 1850

mountain lady beetle, Tamarack ladybug

Coccinella monticola is a of to western North America, with in the northeastern United States and southeastern Canada. measure 5.2 to 7 mm in length and are distinguished by two oval spots on each plus a single spot behind the . The species is known to occur in montane and northern forest , including areas with tamarack (Larix laricina), which contributes to one of its . It can be confused with the similar Coccinella difficilis.

Annals of the Entomological Society of America (1914) (18227339199) by Miriam Augusta Palmer
. Used under a No restrictions license.

Lady Beetle - Coccinella monticola, Plumas County, California by Judy Gallagher. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Coccinella monticola: /ˌkɔk.sɪˈnɛl.lə mɒnˈtɪ.kə.lə/

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Identification

Distinguished from similar Coccinella by the combination of two oval spots per and a single pronotal spot. Most reliably separated from Coccinella difficilis by subtle differences in spot configuration and body proportions, though examination may be required for definitive identification. Spot count alone is unreliable due to intraspecific variability in spot size and shape.

Images

Appearance

are 5.2–7 mm long. Each bears two similar oval spots, with an additional single spot located behind the on the . Spot size and roundedness vary among individuals. coloration ranges from red to orange or . The overall body form is convex and typical of the Coccinella.

Habitat

Montane forests and northern woodland . Associated with coniferous forests including tamarack (Larix laricina) stands, which contributes to the "Tamarack ." Occurs from subalpine elevations in the western range to and mixed forests in the eastern portion of its distribution.

Distribution

Western North America from Yukon Territory south to New Mexico, with range extending eastward through Washington to Wisconsin. Disjunct in northeastern North America from the Great Lakes region east to Nova Scotia and Massachusetts. Present in Canadian provinces including Alberta, British Columbia, and Manitoba.

Host Associations

Larix laricina - associated with "Tamarack " reflects this association

Similar Taxa

Coccinella difficilisSimilar spot pattern with two elytral spots; requires careful examination to distinguish

More Details

Nomenclature note

The "Tamarack " specifically references the tamarack tree (Larix laricina), indicating a association in the eastern portion of its range where this tree occurs.