Based on the recent results on the scattering of Bessel beams by a sphere and using the Whittaker integral, the scattering by a rigid sphere centred on a Mathieu beam is derived. The scattering field is expressed as a partial wave series involving the scattering angles relative to the beam axis and Mathieu beam parameters. Some numerical calculations are performed and it is shown that the illumination of a rigid sphere by a Mathieu beam produces asymmetrical scattering as a function of scattering angles theta and (phi). The geometrical properties of the scattering Mathieu beam are noted. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.