Transverse Lady Beetle

Coccinella transversoguttata

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Suborder: Polyphaga
Superfamily: Coccinelloidea
Family: Coccinellidae
Subfamily: Coccinellinae
Genus: Coccinella
Species: transversoguttata

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Coccinella transversoguttata: //ˌkɒksɪˈnɛlə trænzˌvɜːrsəʊˈɡʌtə.tə//

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

Images

Jacobson coccinella transversoguttata by Georgiy Jacobson. Used under a Public domain license.

Coccinella transversoguttata by Jesse Rorabaugh. Used under a CC0 license.

Georgiy Jacobson - Beetles Russia and Western Europe - plate 25 by see in description. Used under a Public domain license.

Transverse Lady Beetle imported from iNaturalist photo 3772262 on 31 December 2023 by no rights reserved. Used under a CC0 license.

Transcerse ladybug - Coccinella transversoguttata (48759776911) by Yellowstone National Park. Used under a Public domain license.

Summary

Coccinella transversoguttata, or the transverse ladybird, is a native ladybug species found primarily in North America and Europe. Known for feeding on aphids, its populations are declining potentially due to competition from introduced species.

Physical Characteristics

Length 5.0 to 7.8 mm

Identification Tips

The transverse ladybird can be identified by its distinctive pattern, with spots across its elytra. It may be confused with other ladybug species, especially Coccinella transversalis, which has a similar common name.

Habitat

Primarily found in gardens and agricultural areas where aphids are prevalent, especially in the Rocky Mountains during the warmer months.

Distribution

Historical range is worldwide in the Northern Hemisphere, with current frequent sightings in the Rocky Mountains and documented presence across North America from California to Virginia and Labrador to Alaska, including Greenland.

Diet

Aphids

Conservation Status

Considered a Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) in New York State due to population declines attributed to competition from introduced species.

Ecosystem Role

Aphid predator, plays a role in controlling aphid populations in its habitat.

Evolution

The decline in numbers is linked to ecological changes and competition with invasive lady bug species like Coccinella septempunctata.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Often confused with Coccinella transversalis due to the common name 'transverse ladybird', despite being distinct species, with different geographic distributions.