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Photo#123568
Lady Beetle - Myzia pullata

Lady Beetle - Myzia pullata
Groton, Middlesex County, Massachusetts, USA
June 29, 2007
Size: 6mm
Is this another variation of the Multi-colored Asian Lady Beetle?

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Lady Beetle - Myzia pullata Lady Beetle - Myzia pullata

Thanks Tim
Another mystery solved:-)

Myzia pullata
sometimes a little time away from the subject is a good thing. I now believe this is certainly Myzia pullata - a known eastern species of Coccinellini, which I somehow overlooked the first time. This one is a little redder than most, but everything else matches.

maybe, maybe not
do you know how big it is? Multi-Asians are about 5-8mm. If it's that big or larger, then there's hints of Anatis sp. or the light form of Myzia pullata. If it's significantly smaller (3-5mm) then there are some other possibilities. The dark scutelum with cream elytra base either side is different from any Multi-Asian I've seen (reminds me of Coccinella novemnotat, but it's not that one). But many have been fooled before by Harmonia axyridis, least of all myself.

 
Tim,
I still have it, and measured it at 6mm. At least that rules out the smaller species. Is there any other part of the beetle to photograph to help get a positive id?

 
Yes, Tom
although I was hesitant to ask, as I'm not sure even with additional shots I'll be able to tell. But perhaps a ladybeetle expert may visit and settle this one. From what I read in Gordon, the tarsal claws (profile view) of the middle and hind legs vary between these larger genera (Anata's claw has a large basal tooth or plate, M has a small tooth midway down the claw, etc.). Just from your existing photos, the claws look simple, or at best with a wide basal tooth. Also the shap of the anterior and posterior sternum and the "keel" between the front coxa is another data point. These features are small and difficult to shoot, but if you'd like to try, I'll use them to go back through Gordon's reference, more specifically the keys.

 
better source
Tom, I checked Am Beetles last night, which would be a better source for determining genus. I usually don't use this book for Ladybirds, as Gordon's reference is so good, but in this case Am Beetles probably suits better, as Gordon's reference pre-dates the spread of the Asian ladybird.
From Am Beetles, looks like the postcoxal line (curved stria posterior to hind coxa) is a key determiner (if present, and does it curve down and run along the edge of the abdominal segement, or does it recurve forward away from the posterior edge). Also, the presence of one or two spurs at the apex of the mid and hind tibia, where they meet the tarsi. If spurs are present, it's not Harmonia (or Neoharmonia).
Actually, you wouldn't have to image these features. Just take a look and let us know what you see. That might be easier :)

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