Species of beetle
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Exochomus quadripustulatus, common name pine ladybird or pine lady beetle, is a species of beetle of the family Coccinellidae. The distribution range of "E. quadripustulatus" includes Europe, Northern Asia (excluding China), and North America.
Description.
"Exochomus quadripustulatus" can reach a length of about 4-6 millimeters. It is almost circular, convex and shining, with a flange around the base. The color is quite variable and may change with ageing. Usually elytra are black with two larger red comma-shaped spots and two smaller red round or oval spots. The color of these spots can also be orange or yellow, but completely reddish brown specimens may occur. The pine ladybird in both adult and larval stages preys aphids and scale insects, especially "Diaspidiotus perniciosus". Adults overwinter.
Distribution.
This species is present in most of Europe, in the eastern Palearctic realm, and in the Near East. It was first recorded in Ireland (County Armagh) in 2014.
Habitat.
This fairly common ladybug can be found from April to October on conifers and in areas with deciduous trees, but it can also occur elsewhere.
Ecology/Biological Control.
Exochomus quadripustulatus helps with biological control in infested areas by being a candidate predator of Toumeyella parvicornis, an alien pest that infests stone pines; it has been observed to be more attracted to conspecific and heterospecific ladybugs than Cryptolaemus montrouzieri, another candidate predator, and responds to prey more quickly.
References.
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