Brachiacantha felina
(Fabricius, 1775)
Orange-spotted Lady Beetle
Brachiacantha felina is a small in the , to eastern and central North America. measure 2.2–3 mm and exhibit distinct in coloration. The is known from scattered records across its range, with relatively few observations documented.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Brachiacantha felina: //ˌbræk.jəˈkæn.θə fɛˈlaɪ.nə//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Distinguished from other Brachiacantha by the specific pattern of five spots on black combined with sexually coloration. The small size (under 3 mm) separates it from larger . Male specimens show more extensive yellow on the pronotum margin compared to females.
Appearance
are small, measuring 2.20–3 mm in length. The is black with markings that differ between sexes: males have a yellow margin and anterolateral angle, while females have a yellow anterolateral angle and sometimes a yellow anterior border. The are black with five yellow spots.
Distribution
Eastern and central North America, recorded from Massachusetts to North Carolina, west to Iowa and Louisiana. Additional records from Vermont.
Similar Taxa
- Other Brachiacantha speciesShare small size and spotted , but differ in spot number, arrangement, and pattern
- Psyllobora speciesSimilar small size and spotted appearance, but Psyllobora typically have more numerous smaller spots and different shape
More Details
Taxonomic history
Originally described as Coccinella felina by Fabricius in 1775, later transferred to Brachiacantha.
Observation frequency
Considered infrequently encountered, with only 38 observations documented on iNaturalist as of source date, suggesting it may be genuinely rare, cryptic, or underreported.