Hippodamia lunatomaculata

Motschulsky, 1845

crescent lady beetle

Hippodamia lunatomaculata, commonly known as the crescent lady beetle, is a of lady beetle in the Coccinellidae. It is found in western North America, with records from British Columbia, Oregon, Washington, and California. measure 4.15–5.60 mm in length. The species includes two recognized : H. l. lunatomaculata (restricted to California) and H. l. dobzhanskyi (found across the full range).

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Hippodamia lunatomaculata: //ˌhɪpoʊˌdeɪmiə luːˌnætəˌmækjʊˈleɪtə//

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Identification

are small lady beetles, 4.15–5.60 mm in length. The pronotum bears many spots, and the are lightly maculate with reduced spotting compared to many . The specific epithet 'lunatomaculata' refers to crescent-shaped (lunate) markings.

Distribution

Recorded from western North America: British Columbia, Oregon, Washington, and California. The nominate H. l. lunatomaculata occurs only in California, while H. l. dobzhanskyi is found in British Columbia, Oregon, Washington, and California.

Similar Taxa

  • Hippodamia convergensSimilar size and western North American range, but H. convergens has prominent converging white lines on the pronotum rather than many spots, and more heavily spotted .
  • Other Hippodamia speciesH. lunatomaculata is distinguished by its lightly maculate and many-spotted pronotum pattern; most have more distinct elytral maculation.

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