Coccinella septempunctata (Coleoptera, Coccinellidae): a species complex?

Coccinella septempunctata L., the seven spot ladybird is widely distributed across the Paleartic region. Based on a few morphological characteristics and geographical origin, some populations are recognized as distinct species, e.g., the North African Coccinella algerica Kovar and Japanese Coccinella brucki Mulsant later considered to be a subspecies -C. septempunctata brucki. The objective of this study is to discuss the taxonomic status of the seven spot ladybird, in particular whether it is a complex of species or the same species throughout the Paleartic region. The relationship between populations was clarified by using a combination of molecular and limited morphometric data and assessing potential reproductive barriers by means of cross breeding. Although there is considerable variation in the size of the spots on the elytra, the results of this study confirm that all studied populations belong to the same species.