Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
First described in 1758 by
Linnaeus as
Coccinella trifasciataExplanation of Names
trifasciata is from Latin tris- "three" + fasciatus- "banded"
Numbers
One species worldwide, with two subspecies in our region:
Coccinella trifasciata perplexa
Coccinella trifasciata subversa
Identification
From Gordon's key to the species
(1), the following features are seen on these beetles:
1) elytra suture reddish, not black or dark brown (excludes C. novemnotata and C. californica)
2) "head pale except for black band across base (male); or dark and with broad pale band between eyes, band rarely interrupted medially (female)". (excludes those with "head dark with 2 well separated spots on front" - including C. transversoguttata, C. septempunctata, and C. undecimpunctata)
Range
C. trifasciata perplexa- Most of North America north of 40 deg. latitude, except Pacific coast, northern Alaska, northern Canada.
C. trifasciata subversa- British Columbia south to California.
See Also
Transverse Lady Beetle,
Coccinella transversoguttata - Pronotum with black anterior margin.
Some species of Hippodamia have similar markings, but shape is elongated and tapered, not rounded.
Internet References
Systema naturae, 10th ed., v.1, p.365 Linnaeus' original description of the species (in Latin).
