CLOSED: What's this tiny ladybird

Watch Reply
More
Mark unread Print Skip to new
lynnekp bournemouth, United Kingdom Jul 19, 2015

Seen in northern France recently. It was only about 3mm long.

Thumbnail by lynnekp
Post #10113912
Quote
Flapdoodle Minot, ND Jul 19, 2015

It's in the genus Psyllobora; looks like a 22-spot ladybird (Psyllobora 22-punctata) - https://www.flickr.com/photos/50034989@N03/15077454061

Post #10114007
Quote
lynnekp bournemouth, United Kingdom Jul 20, 2015

I did look at that one but everything I read says they are bright yellow and this one was definitely white.

Post #10114316
Quote
Flapdoodle Minot, ND Jul 20, 2015

No other Psyllobora other than 22-punctata that I know of has this spot pattern. There are at least two explanations for the apparent colour discrepancy: (1) the beetle had recently emerged from its pupal case, and had yet to develop its final colouration (I have seen many lady beetles in other species that were very pale when freshly eclosed), and (2) Several lady beetle species have markedly different colour 'morphs'. BTW, I believe your specimen is a male; females of this species have more extensive dark markings on their head.

Post #10114411
Quote
lynnekp bournemouth, United Kingdom Jul 21, 2015

Ok, thanks. It was very pretty and cute. Seemed to like wandering around our cafe table!

Post #10114885
Quote

Post a Reply to this Thread

Please or sign up to post.
Back to Forum Homepage

More Insect and Spider Identification Threads

Go to all Insect and Spider Identification threads
BACK TO TOP