Myzia interrupta
(Casey, 1899)
Broken-dashed Lady Beetle
Myzia interrupta, commonly known as the broken-dashed lady beetle, is a of lady beetle in the Coccinellidae. measure 6.5–8 mm in length and are characterized by pale yellowish-brown coloration with distinctive pronotal spotting and elytral markings. The species is found across western North America, from Alberta and British Columbia south to western Texas and California.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Myzia interrupta: //ˈmɪziə ɪntəˈrʌptə//
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Identification
Distinguished from other Myzia and similar Coccinellidae by the combination of pale yellowish-brown ground color, three light brown pronotal spots, and light brown vittae on the . The specific epithet "interrupta" refers to the broken or interrupted nature of the elytral markings. Size range of 6.5–8 mm helps separate it from larger and smaller lady beetle species.
Images
Appearance
are pale yellowish-brown in overall coloration. The pronotum bears three light brown spots. The typically display light brown vittae (longitudinal stripes or bands). Body length ranges from 6.5 to 8 mm.
Distribution
Western North America. Recorded from Alberta to western Texas, west to British Columbia and California.
Similar Taxa
- Other Myzia speciesSimilar -level ; distinguished by specific color pattern and elytral markings
- General CoccinellidaeSimilar overall lady beetle body plan; separated by size, coloration, and specific spot/vittae pattern
More Details
Taxonomic authority
Described by Casey in 1899
Observation data
iNaturalist records 322 observations of this