Appearance
"Hippodamia variegata" grow up to 3–5.5 millimetres (0.12–0.22 in). These beetles have a slightly convex and rather elongated body. The first segment of the anterior legs of males is greatly expanded. Head is black, with dark eyes and white spots. Pronotum is black, with a white-yellowish border and a central black mask shaped marking. Elytra are red or orange, with a very variable number of black points (from zero up to thirteen). One black spot surrounded by white is located on the scutellum. The legs are blackish brown, with brown ends. The underside of the body is black.
Naming
* "Hippodamia variegata variegata"⤷ "Hippodamia variegata doubledayi"
⤷ "Hippodamia variegata variegata" var "costellata" - Laicharting
⤷ "Hippodamia variegata variegata" var "undecimpunctata" - Schrank
⤷ "Hippodamia variegata" var "novempunctata" - Schrank
Distribution
This species is present in the whole Europe, in the East Palearctic ecozone, in the Near East, in North Africa, in the Nearctic ecozone and in the Oriental region.
Behavior
This species may have seven generations between April and November. Adults can be encountered from March through October. They mainly feed on aphids.
Habitat
This species mainly inhabits fields, meadows, gardens and shrubs, more than bushes and trees. It prefers dry, rough vegetation.References:
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