Mulsantina luteodorsa
J. Chapin, 1973
clay-colored lady beetle, Saffron Lady Beetle
A small lady beetle measuring 3.8–4.6 mm, to the southeastern United States. The pronotum is yellow with two black vittae, and the are unmarked. It is one of the lesser-known in the Mulsantina.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Mulsantina luteodorsa: //mʊlˈsæntɪnə luːtiːoʊˈdɔːrsə//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Distinguished from other Mulsantina by the combination of unmarked and yellow pronotum with two black vittae. The small size (under 5 mm) and clay-colored to saffron appearance help separate it from larger or more patterned lady beetles.
Images
Distribution
to the southeastern United States; records from North America
Similar Taxa
- Other Mulsantina speciesM. luteodorsa is distinguished by its unmarked ; typically have spotted or patterned elytra
- Harmonia axyridis (Asian lady beetle)Much larger (5–8 mm), highly variable coloration, and typically with elytral markings; M. luteodorsa is smaller and lacks elytral patterns
More Details
Taxonomic history
Described by J. Chapin in 1973; one of the more recently described in the