Nephus quadrimaculatus

Length: 1.5 to 2 mm.  Basic colour is black with four (two pairs) reddish-brown kidney-shaped spots, the front pair being larger than the rear pair.  Pronotum and head colour is black.  Leg colour: brown.  Other features: hairy; abdomen has a reddish-brown tip. 

Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required. If the photo doesn't show the key ID features then in the comments box describe the size and identifying characters you have observed.

Habitats: gardens, woodlands and other habitats where the host plant Ivy is prevalent. 

All year round.

Feeds on scale insects. Overwinters in Ivy.

Although quite widespread in the southern half of Britain, it is very local and not well recorded.

Rare, or rarely recorded in Leicestershire and Rutland. The Knighton record of March 2020 is the first for VC55.