Coccinella trifasciata subversa - Coccinella trifasciata

Moved

… Will Chatfield-Taylor, 19 March, 2007 - 1:39am

… mandyc, 14 May, 2012 - 11:06pm

Coccinella trifasciata

I'm pretty sure this is Coccinella trifasciata. The photos in bugguide so far all show individuals with 3 bands across the elytra, but all the ones I've seen in the Bay Area have only one band near the top of the elytra. I looked up this species at the UC Berkeley Essig Museum a couple of months ago, and it seemed clear that that's what they are. Lots of the Coccinella trifasciata in the museum have only one band, as in your photo. The pronotal and head markings match.

ps. Hi Will -- I met you in person at the bird store last week.

… Joyce Gross, 23 February, 2006 - 10:31pm

Coccinella sp

Here is information from the National Audubon Society Field Guide To Insects & Spiders. 145 Spotless "Nine-spotted" Ladybug(Coccinella novemnotata franciscana) Description: 1/4in.(5-7mm). Almost hemispherical. Head and thorax black with yellow or white markings; legs and underside black. Elytra yellowish red with or without 1 black spot at scutellum. Habitat: Forest edges. Range: California. Food: Aphids and similar soft small insects.

… Mr. Fox, 23 February, 2006 - 8:32pm

Perhaps C. trifasciata?

I'd be more inclined to agree with Joyce, on Coccinella trifasciata (subversa, if you like subspecies). As a Ladybug reference, you might wish to find a copy of "The Coccinellidae (Coleoptera) of America North of Mexico", Robert D. Gordon, Journal of the New York Entomological Society, Volume 93 fascicle 1, pages 1-912 (entire volume). Gordon's Coccinella key branches between trifasciata and novemnotata as follows: Elytral suture very narrowly margined with dark brown or black, at least apically - leads to C. novemnotata Elytral suture red, not or only slightly darker than pale discal areas - leads to C. trifasciata. From your excellent photo, suture appears more red than dark brown. Hope this helps.

… Tim Moyer, 7 March, 2006 - 11:58am

Thanks!

… Will Chatfield-Taylor, 23 February, 2006 - 10:16pm