Revision of the New World Lady Beetles of the Genus Olla and Description of a New Allied Genus (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)

Abstract

The taxonomic and nomenclatural history of the genus Olla Casey is reviewed. The polyphyletic nature of the Neotropical coccinelline fauna is discussed, and a diagnostic key to subgroups within the former Synonychini (sensu Blackwelder) is provided. Olla is shown to be part of a monophyletic assemblage of primarily Neotropical Coccinellini, united by shared characteristics of the genitalia and larval armature. Four Olla species are recognized: O. v-nigrum (Mulsant), and three new species, O. roatanensis, O. timberlakei, and O. hageni. A new allied genus, Cirocolla, is proposed to accommodate the species Daulis conspicillata Mulsant (paralectotype designated). Neda cardinalis (Erichson) is transferred to Mononeda Crotch. A hypothesis of the cladistic relations within Olla is presented using the sister genus Cirocolla as an outgroup. All taxa are described and keyed. Geographic distributions, synonymies, and illustrations of key characteristics are provided. Notes on biogeography, prey-host plant records, and the distribution and inheritance of elytral color patterns are included. The immature stages of O. v-nigrum and O. hageni are illustrated and compared.