Three-Spot Leaf Beetle* (Lachnaia tristigma)

OTHER NAMES: *Name given here is speculative, based on a translated Portuguese common name
Latin Etymology: Lachnaia (?) tristigma ("three dot")

Adult Lachnaia tristigma at Laguna Campillo, Spain - April 2016

Featured Subspecies: ?
Length: ?
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Not Yet Evaluated 


Despite the appearance, this species is not in fact a ladybird - the family Lachnaia appear to have evolved into mimicing ladybirds, presumable for protection.  They are in reality, members of the leaf beetle family and so more closely related to species like cardinal beetles that might be familiar to those in the UK.  I must admit, it's a pretty effective disguise - I'd assumed it to be a new ladybird species for me myself until I researched it later.

Related Species:
Order: Coleoptera
Family: Chrysomelidae
Genus: Lachnaia
SUBSPECIES: unknown

 - Sighting Locations -

SPAIN - A widespread resident

 - MADRID 2016 TRIP: A single individual at Laguna Campillo

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto