Arthropods Daily – Issue No. 172

The Exochomus quadripustulatus, commonly known as the pine ladybird, is a small beetle that can reach a length of 4-6 millimeters. It has a circular and convex shape, with black elytra adorned with red comma-shaped and round spots. This species can be found in Europe, the eastern Palearctic realm, and the Near East, and was first recorded in Ireland in 2014. The pine ladybird preys on aphids and scale insects, especially Diaspidiotus perniciosus, and can be found from April to October on conifers and areas with deciduous trees.