Citizen scientist rediscovers rare nine-spotted lady beetle, Coccinella novemnotata, in eastern North America

Abstract

A single adult Coccinella novemnotata (the nine-spotted lady beetle) was recently discovered by a Cornell University student amongst a series of specimens collected in early October 2006 in Arlington, Virginia. The specimen is the first individual collected in eastern North America in over fourteen years and is only the sixth of its species known to be collected anywhere in North America in the last ten years. This discovery reopens questions regarding the current status of this once common species. Interactions with exotic species, global climate change, and shifting land use patterns have all been postulated as possible factors in this species decline. This discovery is the first in a new program in the USA designed to educate the public regarding biodiversity and conservation and to engage them in a survey of native and exotic lady beetle species. © Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2007.