Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
First described in 1824 by
Thomas Say as
Coccinella labiculata
Anatis labiculata
Size
Length 7.20 to 9.50 mm, width 5.50 to 8.0 mm.
(1)Identification
Gray to deep purple, darkening with age.
Black spots without rings.
Rounded oval shape
Explanate (helmet-shaped profile, with a flared "rim")
Range
Ontario to South Carolina, west to North Dakota, Colorado and Texas, according to Gordon in 1985.
(1) Range appears to have extended farther north since then, with BugGuide images from Lake Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Habitat
Arboreal (in trees) in forests and woods.
Food
Aphids, especially in trees.
Remarks
Like other Anatis species, Fifteen-spotted Lady Beetles darken with age. In the oldest individuals, the spots may not be visible against the dark background color.
See Also
Eye-spotted Lady Beetle, Anatis mali - Spots always with pale rings, although in the oldest, darkest individuals this can be difficult to see. Shape may be less explanate than A. labiculata. Larger range extends north to Nova Scotia and west to Pacific.
Ashy Gray Lady Beetle, Olla v-nigrum - Fewer spots on elytra, more white on pronotum. Smaller (6mm or less), less explanate shape. Larger range extends south to Florida and west to Pacific.
Twenty-spotted Lady Beetle, Psyllobora vigintimaculata - Much smaller, 3.5 mm or less; unmistakable if size is known. Spots proportionally larger and often confluent (joined); more white on the head and pronotum; pronotum is transparent and partially covers the eyes.
Print References
Gordon, 1985, especially pp. 754-757, figures 715-717.
(1)
