Other Common Names
Twenty-four Spotted Lady Beetle
Explanation of Names
The specific epithet translates to "24 spots", the maximum number of spots on the elytra, and the basis for the common name Twenty-four Spotted Ladybird
Numbers
the only species in this genus in North America listed at
nearctica.comIdentification
Dorsal (upper) surface covered with fine recumbent hairs, rather opaque. May appear to have a silvery sheen.
Pale yellow to orange, with 0-12 black spots on each elytron (wing cover), typically arranged in 4 transverse, curved rows. Some spots may fuse, especially in the median row.
Range
Non-native; introduced throughout North America.
Habitat
Meadows and other open habitats.
Food
One of the plant-eating lady beetles (Epilachninae subfamily). Feeds on a variety of plants, including alfalfa, bouncing bet, and many species in Caryophyllaceae (Silene spp., Saponaria spp.).
Remarks
Accidentally introduced from its native Eurasia. First collection reported from New Jersey in 1974. Intercepted on hawthorn (Crataegus) imported from Germany in 1948, but did not become established at that time.
See Also
"The dorsal color pattern is variable but the small size and oval form distinguish
Subcoccinella vigintiquatuorpunctata from
Epilachna varivestis 
(> 6mm) and
E. borealis 
(>7mm) which occur in the same geographic region."
(1)
The row of basal spots on S. vigintiquatuorpunctata appears to always curve upward, where as for Epilachna the basal row appears to curve downward or at best uncurved.
