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Hippodamia sp.
This Poor thing was impaled on this thorn.... :(
Genus Hippodamia. Several species of this genus in your area can be spotless, including the Convergent Lady Beetle (Hippodamia convergens), the Five-spotted Lady Beetle (H. quinquesignata ambigua), and the Sorrowful Lady Beetle (H. moesta).
It was probably spiked by a Shrike or similar bird predator for later consumption. I have observed many insects "stored" like this by shrikes here in South Africa where I live. Mostly on thorns in acasia, but in some cases on the spikes of barbed wire as well.
Spotted on May 12, 2012
Submitted on May 25, 2012
