Color-polymorphism
Guides
Acanthoscelides quadridentatus
Acanthoscelides quadridentatus is a seed beetle (Bruchinae) native to the Americas with introduced populations in Australia and southern Asia. In its native Brazilian Cerrado range, it exhibits phenotypic plasticity with two distinct morphs: melanic individuals that are approximately 1.1-fold larger, and lighter, smaller individuals. The species is a specialist seed predator of Mimosa setosa, attacking both M. setosa var. paludosa and M. setosa var. setosa. Attacked seeds fail to germinate, making this beetle a significant mortality factor for its host plant.
Achyra occidentalis
Achyra occidentalis is a crambid moth described by Packard in 1873. It exhibits two distinct color morphs: a dark form and a pale form, with adults active during different periods of the year. The species is restricted to arid regions of the southwestern United States. Forewing length ranges from 10–12 mm.
Adalia bipunctata
Two-spotted Lady Beetle, Two-spot Ladybird, Two-spotted Ladybug
Adalia bipunctata is a small predatory ladybird beetle native to the Holarctic region, with populations in Europe, North America, and Central Asia. It is one of the most extensively studied ladybird species due to its complex color polymorphism and ecological interactions. The species exhibits remarkable variation in elytral coloration, ranging from the classic red-with-two-black-spots form to multiple melanistic variants. Populations show geographic variation in life history: European populations are typically multivoltine, while some introduced populations (e.g., Japan) exhibit univoltine cycles with extended adult inactivity. The species has declined significantly in parts of its native North American range but remains common in western and central Europe. It is frequently employed as a biological control agent against aphid pests in greenhouses and agricultural systems.
Amblycorypha oblongifolia
oblong-winged katydid
Amblycorypha oblongifolia, commonly known as the oblong-winged katydid, is a species of bush-cricket in the family Tettigoniidae. The species is notable for exhibiting unusual color polymorphism, with individuals occurring in green, tan, pink, or rare dark tan/orange morphs. These color variants are genetically determined and present from birth, not influenced by sex, age, or environment. Green is the most common morph, while pink and tan are rare, and dark tan or orange is very rare. The species is found throughout the northeastern and midwestern United States.
Anaplectoides prasina
Green Arches
A medium-sized noctuid moth with distinctive green forewings marked by dark green or blackish patterning. The species exhibits notable color polymorphism, with forms ranging from pale whitish-green to dark brownish-grey. Adults are active from May to August across a broad Holarctic distribution. Larvae are broad generalist feeders on both herbaceous plants and hardwood trees.
Anartia fatima
Banded Peacock, Fatima
Anartia fatima, the banded peacock, is a brush-footed butterfly in the family Nymphalidae. It occurs from southern Texas through Mexico and Central America to Panama, inhabiting subtropical open areas and disturbed habitats such as second-growth woodlands. Males defend territories around host plants to secure mating opportunities, a behavior documented in both this species and its congener Anartia jatrophae. The species exhibits wing color polymorphism, with individuals bearing either white or yellow median bands.
Aphidecta obliterata
larch ladybird, larch ladybug, Larch Lady Beetle
Aphidecta obliterata is a small ladybird beetle (3.5–5 mm) native to Europe, with introduced populations in North America. It is a specialized predator of conifer-infesting aphids and adelgids, particularly associated with spruce and larch. The species exhibits remarkable color polymorphism, ranging from tan to brown with pinkish tints to nearly black. Multiple unsuccessful attempts were made to introduce it to eastern Canada as a biological control agent for the balsam woolly aphid (Adelges piceae) beginning in 1941. Females demonstrate sophisticated oviposition behavior, using conspecific larval tracks and egg-surface chemicals to avoid sites with high cannibalism risk.
Araneus trifolium
Shamrock Orbweaver, Shamrock Spider
Araneus trifolium, commonly known as the shamrock orbweaver, is a North American spider in the family Araneidae. The species exhibits notable color polymorphism in abdominal patterning, ranging from beige and brown to yellow, orange, and occasionally greenish tones. It constructs large orb webs to capture flying insect prey and is distinguished from similar species by the presence of white dots on the dorsal abdomen.
Araniella displicata
sixspotted orbweaver, six-spotted orbweaver
Araniella displicata, commonly known as the sixspotted orbweaver, is a small orb-weaving spider in the family Araneidae. It is one of the most widely distributed arachnids in North America, with additional populations across Europe and Asia. Adults are notably small—females reach only 4–8 mm in body length, males 4–6 mm—and are frequently mistaken for juvenile orb weavers due to their diminutive size. The species constructs compact orb webs, often spanning single leaves, and displays considerable color variation including yellow, white, and rust red.
Argia apicalis
Blue-fronted Dancer
Argia apicalis, commonly known as the Blue-fronted Dancer, is a species of damselfly in the family Coenagrionidae native to North America. First described by Thomas Say in 1840, it is a common and widespread species assessed as Least Concern by the IUCN. The species exhibits notable color polymorphism, with males occurring in bright blue and gray-black phases and females in brown, turquoise, and gray-black phases. Color changes are multi-directional and not tied to age or mating status. Males use thoracic color patterns for sex recognition, with brown females eliciting the strongest sexual response. The species shows distinctive geographical variation in thoracic stripe patterns, with broad-striped forms in the southeastern United States and typical forms elsewhere.
Bombus bifarius
Two-form bumblebee
Bombus bifarius is a eusocial bumble bee of the subgenus Pyrobombus, first described by Cresson in 1879. Recent genetic research (2020) has clarified its taxonomy: what was historically considered a single species with two color morphs (red-tailed 'bifarius' and black-tailed 'nearcticus') has been split into two cryptic species. True B. bifarius is now restricted to the red-tailed form found in the southern Rocky Mountains, while the black-tailed and variable forms belong to the sister species Bombus vancouverensis. The species is small-bodied and has been identified as one of only two bumble bee species known to use pheromones in kin recognition.
Bombus rufocinctus
red-belted bumblebee
Bombus rufocinctus, commonly known as the red-belted bumblebee, is a North American bumble bee species characterized by striking color polymorphism in abdominal patterning. Queens measure 16-18 mm, workers 11-12 mm, and males 12-13 mm. The species inhabits wooded areas, urban parks, and gardens across Canada and the western, midwestern, and northeastern United States. Males exhibit perching behavior and possess cephalic labial glands that secrete complex chemical mixtures likely involved in mating signaling. Nests are typically constructed on or above ground level.
Canthon
tumblebugs, dung rollers
Canthon is a genus of ball-rolling dung beetles (telocoprids) commonly known as tumblebugs, distributed across the Nearctic and Neotropical regions. Adults are known for their distinctive behavior of forming dung balls and rolling them away from source material for feeding or nesting. The genus exhibits notable behavioral diversity, with some species employing 'sit and wait' perching strategies to detect dung through chemoreception, while others actively follow animals. Several species show color polymorphism that may be linked to thermal adaptation and elevational distribution.
Chelymorpha
Argus tortoise beetles, tortoise beetles
Chelymorpha is a genus of tortoise beetles in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Cassidinae, containing more than 70 described species distributed primarily in the Americas. These beetles are characterized by their domed, tortoise-like body form with the elytra and prothorax forming a protective shield that can be drawn down to cover the head and appendages when disturbed. The genus exhibits extensive intraspecific color polymorphism, with some species showing remarkable variation in elytral coloration and maculation patterns. Chelymorpha species are predominantly associated with plants in the family Convolvulaceae, particularly morning glories (Ipomoea) and bindweeds (Convolvulus), though some species utilize other host plants. The genus has been extensively studied for its Wolbachia endosymbiont infections, color polymorphism maintenance, and larval defensive behaviors including cycloalexy.
Cicindela purpurea
Purple Tiger Beetle, Cow Path Tiger Beetle
Cicindela purpurea is a North American tiger beetle commonly known as the purple tiger beetle or cow path tiger beetle. Adults measure 12-16 millimeters and display remarkable color polymorphism, appearing in matte green, metallic green, bluish, black, or bronze-purple forms. The species exhibits a spring-fall emergence pattern, with adults active in April-May and September, spending summer as subterranean larvae. It is widespread across northern North America but notably absent from the mid-Atlantic states, Texas, and coastal Pacific regions. Five subspecies are recognized, including the distinctive C. p. audubonii with its reduced elytral markings and occasional all-black morphs.
Cicindela purpurea audubonii
Audubon's tiger beetle
A subspecies of tiger beetle in the genus Cicindela, Cicindela purpurea audubonii is one of the most commonly encountered tiger beetles in grassland habitats throughout the central Great Plains and Rocky Mountains. It exhibits two distinct color morphs within populations: a green morph with a faint purple tinge and metallic purple elytral border, and a rarer all-black morph. The subspecies follows a spring-fall life cycle strategy, emerging in fall as sexually immature adults, overwintering in burrows, and re-emerging in spring to mate and oviposit. It is distinguished from similar green claybank-associated species by its reduced elytral markings and purple marginal coloration.
Cicindela purpurea cimarrona
Cimarron Tiger Beetle
Cicindela purpurea cimarrona is a subspecies of the purple tiger beetle complex found in the Great Plains and Rocky Mountain regions of North America. As part of the spring-fall life history group within the true Cicindela, adults emerge in fall as sexually immature individuals, overwinter in burrows, and re-emerge in spring to mate and reproduce. This subspecies is one of several color variants within C. purpurea, which exhibits notable polymorphism including green, blue, black, and bronze-purple morphs. The specific epithet 'cimarrona' references its association with the Cimarron River region and surrounding grassland habitats.
Cicindela purpurea hatchi
Hatch's Tiger Beetle
Cicindela purpurea hatchi is a subspecies of the purple tiger beetle endemic to western North America, particularly in intergrade zones with the nominate subspecies in the Great Basin and Rocky Mountain regions. Adults exhibit the characteristic spring-fall life history of the Cicindela purpurea complex, emerging in fall as sexually immature adults, overwintering in burrows, and re-emerging in spring to mate and oviposit. The subspecies shows color polymorphism including green and black morphs, with black morphs occurring at lower frequency than in the nominate subspecies C. p. audubonii.
Coelophora inaequalis
variable ladybird, common Australian lady beetle, common Australian ladybug, Variable Ladybird Beetle
Coelophora inaequalis is a small predatory ladybird beetle native to Australia, Oceania, and Southern Asia. Adults measure 3.70–5.20 mm and display highly variable elytral coloration, with yellow to orange backgrounds bearing four to five black spots that differ among individuals. The species has been introduced to Florida and Hawaii as a biological control agent against the yellow sugarcane aphid (Sipha flava). It is an effective aphid predator with documented prey including Aphis gossypii, Aphis craccivora, and Toxoptera citricida.
Collops tricolor
black-headed melyrid, tri-colored soft-winged flower beetle
Collops tricolor is a small soft-winged flower beetle (family Melyridae) measuring 3.5–4 mm in length. Adults exhibit striking tricoloration: black head, undersides, and legs; rufous labrum and polished thorax; and dark bluish-green to violet elytra with variable rufous margins. The species is locally common in eastern North America from Quebec to Virginia, becoming scarcer westward. Males are distinguished from females by shiny elytra and distinctive triangular basal antennal joints that are as broad as long.
Compsus auricephalus
golden-headed weevil
Compsus auricephalus is a broad-nosed weevil in the family Curculionidae, native to the southern United States and Central America. It is the northernmost species of the predominantly Neotropical genus Compsus and the only native representative of the genus in the USA. The species exhibits two distinct color morphotypes: a typical green form with pink to coppery head and legs, and a uniformly white to pale brown form. It shows considerable morphological variation across its range, including body shape, elytral apices, and pronounced sexual size dimorphism.
Cyrtophorus verrucosus
Ant-like Longhorn Beetle, Ant-mimic Longhorn Beetle
Cyrtophorus verrucosus is a small longhorn beetle (Cerambycidae) remarkable for its specialized ant mimicry, including ant-like movement patterns. The species exhibits color polymorphism with red and black morphs, each thought to mimic different Camponotus ant species. Adults feed on pollen and nectar from spring flowers, while larvae develop in dead wood of various hardwood trees. Native to eastern North America and southern Canada, this beetle is most active in early spring and serves as a useful indicator species for forest habitat quality.
Eacles imperialis
Imperial Moth
Eacles imperialis is a large saturniid moth with the widest geographic range in its genus, extending from southern Canada to Argentina. Adults display substantial color variation, with yellow base coloration and variable red, brown, and purple markings. The species has experienced regional decline in the northeastern United States, with some New England populations extirpated, while remaining common in the Mid-Atlantic, Appalachia, and Deep South.
Enoplognatha ovata
candy-striped spider, common candy-striped spider, polymorphic spider
Enoplognatha ovata is a small theridiid spider native to Europe and introduced to North America. The species exhibits striking color polymorphism, with three main morphs varying in abdominal pigmentation from plain to striped patterns. Despite its diminutive size (4-7 mm), it is an effective predator capable of capturing prey substantially larger than itself. Females construct tangled webs on the undersides of leaves and demonstrate maternal care by guarding egg sacs and provisioning spiderlings.
Euderces picipes
Euderces picipes is a small ant-mimicking longhorned beetle in the family Cerambycidae. The species exhibits pronounced geographic color variation: northern populations are uniformly black, while southern and southwestern populations display red or orange coloration on the abdomen or elytral edges. This color polymorphism was formerly considered to represent separate species, with red forms described as E. abdominalis, but is now recognized as intraspecific variation correlated with geographic distribution. Like other members of the genus, adults are effective Batesian mimics of ants.
Euphoria fulgida
emerald euphoria, emerald euphorium
Euphoria fulgida, commonly known as the emerald euphoria, is a flower chafer beetle in the family Scarabaeidae. This species exhibits remarkable color polymorphism, with most eastern U.S. populations appearing metallic green while western populations show blue-green, burgundy, or pink coloration. Adults are bee mimics with a unique wing mechanism allowing flight with elytra closed. The species has a one-year life cycle and is attracted to ethanol-based baits. Several subspecies have been described based on geographic variation in coloration.
Euphoria fulgida holochloris
Emerald Euphoria
Euphoria fulgida holochloris is a subspecies of flower scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae. Adults are notable bee mimics with a distinctive flight pattern, and exhibit considerable color variation including metallic green, blue-green, and burgundy forms. The subspecies was described by Fall in 1905 and occurs across much of eastern and central North America.
Euphoria kernii
Kern's flower scarab
Euphoria kernii is a scarab beetle in the subfamily Cetoniinae, commonly known as Kern's flower scarab. The species exhibits extreme color polymorphism, with individuals ranging from all black to various combinations of black with white or yellow markings, to nearly entirely yellow. Adults are diurnal and frequently observed aggregating in flowers. The species occurs across the southern Great Plains and southwestern United States, extending into northern Mexico.
Eupteryx
Eupteryx is a genus of leafhoppers in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Typhlocybinae. Species within this genus are small, plant-feeding insects with documented associations primarily with plants in the mint family (Lamiaceae) and stinging nettles (Urtica dioica). Some species, notably E. decemnotata, have undergone rapid range expansion in recent decades. The genus exhibits host-specific oviposition behavior and color polymorphism in nymphal stages.
Eurois occulta
Great Brocade, Great Gray Dart
Eurois occulta, commonly known as the Great Brocade or Great Gray Dart, is a medium-sized noctuid moth with a Holarctic distribution spanning northern Europe, Asia, and North America. Adults display distinctive gray forewings with bold black-and-white patterning and a wingspan of 50–60 mm. The species exhibits notable color polymorphism, including a nearly black mountain form (f. implicata) found in Finland, Germany, and Scotland. Larvae feed on various woody and herbaceous plants including Vaccinium, birch, and willow.
Gasteracantha cancriformis
Spinybacked Orbweaver, Crab-like Orbweaver, Crab-like Spiny Orbweaver, Smiley Face Spider
Gasteracantha cancriformis is a distinctive orb-weaving spider (family Araneidae) known for its crab-shaped abdomen armed with prominent spines. The species exhibits striking color polymorphism, with females displaying white, yellow, orange, or red coloration combined with black markings. Native to the New World tropics and subtropics, it has been introduced to Hawaii. The species has been extensively studied for its genetic basis of color variation and phylogeographic patterns shaped by Andean uplift and gene flow.
Harmonia axyridis
harlequin ladybird, multicolored Asian lady beetle, Asian lady beetle, Halloween beetle
Harmonia axyridis is a highly variable coccinellid beetle native to eastern Asia, introduced to North America and Europe beginning in 1916 for biological control of aphids and scale insects. It became established in the wild in North America around 1988 and has since spread across multiple continents, becoming one of the world's most invasive insects. The species exhibits exceptional color polymorphism, with forms ranging from orange-red with black spots to entirely black with red markings. It is now recognized as a significant threat to native ladybird populations through competition and intraguild predation, while also functioning as a household nuisance pest and occasional agricultural contaminant.
Hyles lineata
white-lined sphinx, hummingbird moth
Hyles lineata is a large, abundant sphinx moth native to North and Central America, recognized for its distinctive hovering flight and striking wing pattern. Adults display a 2–3 inch wingspan with dark brown forewings marked by white longitudinal lines and black hindwings bearing a broad pink median band. The species exhibits unusual flexibility in activity patterns, flying at dusk, dawn, and occasionally during daylight hours to feed on nectar. Caterpillars show extreme color polymorphism, ranging from black with orange spots to lime green with black markings, and possess a characteristic posterior horn. This generalist feeder has been documented on over a dozen plant families and serves as a significant pollinator and occasional agricultural pest.
Leprus wheelerii
Wheeler's Blue-winged Grasshopper
Leprus wheelerii is a band-winged grasshopper found in the southwestern United States and Mexico. The species exhibits a notable wing color dimorphism: most populations display blue wings, but a yellow-winged morph occurs in Luna County, New Mexico. This grasshopper feeds primarily on creosote bush (Larrea tridentata) and is an important component of Chihuahuan Desert ecosystems, contributing to biomass, soil nutrient cycling, and plant growth stimulation.
Leucochrysa
green lacewings
Leucochrysa is a genus of green lacewings in the family Chrysopidae, containing approximately 196 described species as of 2013. The genus is restricted to the Americas and is characterized by distinctive larval behaviors including trash-carrying and defensive conglobulation. Adults exhibit color polymorphism, and some species deposit eggs in clusters. Larvae of at least some species are known to carry debris on their backs for camouflage and protection.
Ligurotettix coquilletti
desert clicker grasshopper, creosote bush grasshopper
A slant-faced grasshopper species specialized on creosote bush (Larrea tridentata) across the southwestern deserts of North America. Males are highly territorial, defending individual host plants as mating territories through acoustic stridulation. The species exhibits a distinctive evening chorus behavior and maintains a color polymorphism (banded and uniform morphs) shaped by predation pressure. Females oviposit in bare soil away from host plants, and the species undergoes winter egg diapause.
Macrosiphoniella
Anthemid Aphids
Macrosiphoniella is a genus of aphids in the family Aphididae, comprising at least 150 described species. The genus was established by Giacomo del Guercio in 1911 and is classified within the tribe Macrosiphini. Species in this genus exhibit notable color polymorphism, with body colors ranging from green and red to white, orange, yellow, and intermediate forms. Several subgenera are recognized, including Asterobium, Ramitrichophorus, and Papillomyzus. The genus has been documented across Europe, Asia, and into North Africa.
Macrosiphum gaurae
Beeblossom Aphid
Macrosiphum gaurae, commonly known as the beeblossom aphid, is an aphid species endemic to North America. It is distinguished by its unique coloration, including a brilliant rose pink form that is unique among North American aphids. The species is closely associated with evening primrose and beeblossom plants as its primary hosts. Its distribution spans from the east to west coasts of North America, though it becomes increasingly rare in the Pacific Northwest region from British Columbia to Oregon.
Mantis religiosa
European mantis, praying mantis
Mantis religiosa, the European mantis, is a large hemimetabolic insect native to Europe that has established widespread populations in North America since its introduction in 1899. It is distinguished by a diagnostic black spot with white center on the inner surface of each foreleg. The species exhibits remarkable color polymorphism, appearing in shades of green, brown, and bluish-green. Females deposit brown, Styrofoam-like egg cases (oothecae) containing over 100 eggs that overwinter and hatch in spring. Sexual cannibalism occurs, with females sometimes consuming males during or after mating.
Mesopsocus unipunctatus
barklouse
Mesopsocus unipunctatus is a small, flightless barklouse distributed across the Holarctic. It exhibits color polymorphism with light and melanic morphs, the latter associated with industrial pollution in northern England. The species inhabits bark surfaces of diverse trees and shrubs.
Metriorrhynchomiris
plant bugs
Metriorrhynchomiris is a genus of plant bugs in the family Miridae, containing at least three described species. The genus is most well-documented through Metriorrhynchomiris dislocatus, a widespread North American species known for extreme color polymorphism. Members are associated with woodland habitats and diverse plant hosts.
Metriorrhynchomiris dislocatus
Wild Onion Mirid
Metriorrhynchomiris dislocatus is a mirid plant bug known for extreme color polymorphism, with at least fifteen documented color forms. Adults measure approximately 6.5 mm and are active primarily from April to July. The species is associated with woodland habitats in eastern North America, with documented associations to False Solomon's Seal and Wild Geranium.
Olla v-nigrum
Ashy Gray Lady Beetle
Olla v-nigrum is a small lady beetle (Coccinellidae) native to the Americas, commonly known as the ashy gray lady beetle. The species exhibits striking color polymorphism, occurring in both gray-with-black-spots and black-with-red-spots forms. It has been widely introduced outside its native range for biological control of psyllids and aphids, though its effectiveness is often compromised by parasitism and competition with other lady beetles. The species name refers to the distinctive V-shaped marking on the pronotum originally described by Mulsant.
Pachycoris
Pachycoris is a genus of shield-backed bugs (Scutelleridae) in the subfamily Pachycorinae, distributed across the Americas. Adults are recognized by large bright spots on the dorsal surface. Several species have been documented exhibiting maternal care of eggs and early-instar nymphs. The genus feeds primarily on plants in the family Euphorbiaceae.
Papestra biren
Glaucous Shears, Glaucous Shears Moth
Papestra biren, commonly known as the glaucous shears, is a noctuid moth with a wingspan of 30–38 mm. The species was first described by Goeze in 1781 and exhibits notable color variation across its range, including purplish-grey, ashy-grey, and dark ruddy-grey forms. Adults are active from May to July in a single annual generation. The species has a broad Palearctic distribution and was introduced to North America in 1935, where it has since expanded southward from Newfoundland.
Perdita perpallida
pale miner bee, All-pale Perdita
Perdita perpallida is a solitary mining bee in the family Andrenidae, native to North America. The species is distinguished by its notably pale yellow to white coloration, which sets it apart from most other Perdita species that typically exhibit darker or more contrasting patterns. Formerly divided into two subspecies, the taxon was revised in 2023 when Perdita perpallida citrinella was synonymized with the nominate form after being recognized as intraspecific color variation. The species belongs to a large genus of small bees that are important but often overlooked pollinators.
Philaenus
meadow spittlebug, spittlebug, froghopper
Philaenus is a genus of spittlebugs in the family Aphrophoridae containing eight described species. The genus is best known for Philaenus spumarius (meadow spittlebug), a widespread insect in the Northern Hemisphere and the primary vector of Xylella fastidiosa in Europe. Most species exhibit striking color polymorphism with up to sixteen distinct phenotypes including dark, pale, mottled, and striped patterns. Nymphs produce protective foam masses from excreted xylem fluid and glandular secretions. The genus has been extensively studied for genetic diversity, climate change responses, and vector ecology.
Philaenus spumarius
Meadow Spittlebug, Meadow Froghopper
Philaenus spumarius is a small spittlebug (5–7 mm) in the family Aphrophoridae, native to the Palearctic and introduced to North America. The species exhibits extreme color polymorphism with approximately 20 known color varieties ranging from yellowish and brownish to black. Nymphs produce characteristic foam masses for protection, while adults are strong jumpers and capable fliers. It has become economically significant as the primary European vector of Xylella fastidiosa, the bacterium causing Olive Quick Decline Syndrome and Pierce's disease in grapevines.
Phymata americana
Jagged Ambush Bug, Ambush Bug
Phymata americana is a predatory true bug in the family Reduviidae, commonly known as the jagged ambush bug. It is native to North and Central America, where it hunts on flowers using a sit-and-wait strategy. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in body size and weapon morphology, with females typically larger than males and possessing disproportionately longer raptorial forelegs. Color polymorphism occurs, with individuals showing variation in body coloration that appears to influence flower color preference for camouflage.
Propylea quatuordecimpunctata
14-spotted ladybird beetle, Fourteen-spotted Lady Beetle, P-14
A small lady beetle (3.5–4.5 mm) native to the Palearctic and introduced to North America as a biological control agent for aphids. Exhibits remarkable color polymorphism with over 100 documented pattern variations, ranging from cream-yellow to nearly black. A generalist predator of aphids and other soft-bodied insects, with demonstrated invasive capacity in North America.