Hippodamia expurgata

Casey, 1908

Expurgate Lady Beetle

Hippodamia expurgata is a small lady beetle in the Coccinellidae, measuring 3.5–5 mm as an . It occurs across western North America from Saskatchewan to New Mexico and west to Yukon and Arizona. The is distinguished from similar Hippodamia by variable elytral markings, particularly an occasionally absent sutural spot.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Hippodamia expurgata: //ˌhɪpoʊˈdeɪmiə ɛkˈspɜrɡətə//

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Identification

Distinguished from Hippodamia apicalis by the variable presence of the sutural spot on the , which may be absent in H. expurgata. Confirmation may require examination of genitalia or other subtle morphological characters.

Appearance

are small, measuring 3.5–5 mm in length. The elytral color pattern resembles that of Hippodamia apicalis, but the sutural spot on the is sometimes missing.

Distribution

Recorded from Saskatchewan to New Mexico, west to Yukon and Arizona. Distribution records include Alberta, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan in Canada.

Similar Taxa

  • Hippodamia apicalisShares similar elytral color pattern; distinguished by consistent presence of sutural spot and other subtle morphological differences

Sources and further reading