Exochomus quadripustulatus

Exochomus quadripustulatus, common name Pine ladybird, is a species of beetle of the Coccinellidae family. 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. This species is present in most of Europe, in the East Palearctic ecozone and in the Near East. It was first recorded in Ireland (County Armagh) in 2014.<