Allenius is a genus of lady beetles in the family Coccinellidae, containing a single species, Allenius iviei.[1][2][3]

Allenius
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Family: Coccinellidae
Subfamily: Microweiseinae
Tribe: Microweiseini
Genus: Allenius
Escalona & Ślipiński, 2012
Species

Allenius iviei Escalona & Ślipiński, 2012[1]

Allenius iviei, known as the enigma ladybeetle[4] is found in the U.S. states of Idaho and Montana. It is one of the rarest insects of the United States and was discovered in 2009. The pronotal plate of this species is very elongated, and easily conceals the head from above. The species is unique in the ability to tuck its head into its thorax for protection.[5]

References

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  1. ^ a b Hermes E. Escalona & Adam Ślipiński (2012). "Generic revision and phylogeny of Microweiseinae (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)". Systematic Entomology. 37 (1): 125–171. doi:10.1111/j.1365-3113.2011.00601.x.
  2. ^ "ITIS, Integrated Taxonomic Information System". Retrieved 2018-12-11.
  3. ^ "Allenius". GBIF. Retrieved 2018-12-11.
  4. ^ Bailey, James, Adalia, Field Guide to Ladybugs of the US and Canada, retrieved 24 July 2016
  5. ^ Live Science Staff (October 24, 2012). "'Headless' ladybug identified as new species". LiveScience. Retrieved October 27, 2012.