Pine Ladybird - Exochomus quadripustulatus

Description

This is a small ladybird (3 to 4 mm), with red comma-like front spots on the black elytra and a flange around the base of each elytron.

Similar Species

The Kidneyspot Ladybird is similar but only has 2 red spots. 

Identification difficulty
Recording advice

Unless identified by a recognised expert, good photos are required that show the key ID features. Also state the size in the comments box.

Habitat

Though mainly found in areas of Pine, it also lives on other trees and shrubs, such as Hawthorn when its preferred Pine is absent.

When to see it

April to October.

Life History

It feeds on aphids and other pests such as scale insects. It overwinters in leaf litter, foliage and bark crevices of evergreen trees and shrubs.

UK Status

A reasonably common species across England.

VC55 Status

Fairly common in Leicestershire and Rutland.

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2020+ | 2015-2019 | pre-2015

UK Map

Species profile

Common names
Pine Ladybird
Species group:
Beetles
Kingdom:
Animalia
Order:
Coleoptera
Family:
Coccinellidae
Records on NatureSpot:
337
First record:
18/03/2005 (Cranfield, John)
Last record:
18/10/2024 (Cann, Alan)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

10km squares with records

The latest images and records displayed below include those awaiting verification checks so we cannot guarantee that every identification is correct. Once accepted, the record displays a green tick.

In the Latest Records section, click on the header to sort A-Z, and again to sort Z-A. Use the header boxes to filter the list.

Latest images

Latest records