CONGENITAL DEFORMITIES OF LADYBIRDS
Under construction
It is not unusual to see structural deformities in beetles. This may only be a slight variation in the colour pattern or an oddly shaped elytron. Sometimes, however, they may seriously impair ladybird activity.
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This Cream-spot ladybird had failed to emerge from its pupa and died. This seems to be a more common phenomenon amongst cream-spots than (for instance) 2-spots. | |
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In both the 10-spot (left) and 2-spot (right: a 'loop & bar' form) one elytron is deformed. In the case of the 2-spot the wing itself was permanently kinked. Such developments make it difficult or impossible for the ladybirds to either tuck their wings away (thus making walking difficult) or to fly. | |
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The 2-spot ladybird (left, 'extended spot' form) seemed to have a crack across the centre of both elytra. It was unable to open these and thus to release its wings for flight. The 7-spot (right) was incapable of closing one elytron. | |
| The 7-spot ladybird quite frequently shows similar defects and is also particularly prone to partial emergence. | ||
CREATED 29/7/2002
LAST AMENDED 20/11/2004