<I>Exochomus quadripustulatus</I> (Linné, 1758)

Morphology

Black ladybird, round, characterized by its four red spots; the anterior two comma-shaped. It may be confused with the black form of Adalia bipunctata.

Diet

This insect’s diet is varied. It feeds as much on aphids, Coccoidea or Acari as on honeydew, pollen or nectar.
Its usual prey are conifer aphids.

Habitat

It was long considered to be exclusive to conifers. Now it is also found on broadleaves: oak, maple, horse chestnut, ash.