Didion longulum
Casey, 1899
dusky lady beetle
Didion longulum is a of lady beetle (Coccinellidae) in the Didion, characterized by its dull, non-reflective coloration that distinguishes it from the typically bright, spotted lady beetles. The species is native to North America and has been documented in western Canada including Alberta and British Columbia. Like other members of its genus, it belongs to a group sometimes referred to as "dusky lady beetles" due to their subdued appearance. The genus Didion is relatively small and understudied compared to more familiar lady beetle genera.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Didion longulum: //ˈdɪdiɒn ˈlɒŋɡjʊləm//
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Identification
Didion longulum can be distinguished from most common lady beetles by its dull, non- coloration without the bright red or orange and contrasting black spots typical of many Coccinellidae. It belongs to the Didion, which is characterized by elongated body form and subdued, often brownish or blackish coloration. Separation from other Didion requires examination of specific morphological characters including genitalia and detailed body proportions.
Images
Distribution
North America; specifically recorded from Alberta and British Columbia, Canada. The Northern Territory record appears to be a data error (Northern Territory is in Australia, not Canada).
Similar Taxa
- Other Coccinellidae (bright lady beetles)Didion longulum lacks the , brightly colored with contrasting spot patterns that characterize most familiar lady beetles; its dull coloration is distinctive
- Other Didion speciescongeneric share the elongated body form and subdued coloration, requiring detailed morphological examination for reliable identification