Exochomus

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Suborder: Polyphaga
Superfamily: Coccinelloidea
Family: Coccinellidae
Subfamily: Chilocorinae
Genus: Exochomus

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Exochomus: //ɛkˈsɒkəməs//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Lady Beetle - Exochomus childreni childreni, Lake June-in-Winter Scrub State Park, Lake Placid, Florida by Judy Gallagher. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Exochomus childreni 173030207 by Zygy. Used under a CC0 license.

Exochomus childreni 278512967 by Nate Sabo. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Exochomus childreni 173030230 by Zygy. Used under a CC0 license.

Exochomus californicus 199840724 by Chloe and Trevor Van Loon. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Exochomus fasciatus 178401382 by Chloe and Trevor Van Loon. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Summary

Exochomus quadripustulatus, also known as the pine ladybird or pine lady beetle, is a small beetle belonging to the family Coccinellidae, with a distribution in Europe, Northern Asia, and parts of North America, primarily known for its role in controlling aphid populations.

Physical Characteristics

Exochomus quadripustulatus typically reaches a length of about 4-6 millimeters. It is almost circular, convex, and shining, with a flange around the base. The elytra are usually black with two larger red comma-shaped spots and two smaller red round or oval spots. The color of these spots can vary and may be orange or yellow, and completely reddish-brown specimens may also occur.

Identification Tips

Look for the convex and shiny appearance along with the distinct black elytra featuring red spots. Adult beetles have a basal tooth on the tarsal claw and a postcoxal line on the first abdominal sternum that does not merge with the posterior margin.

Habitat

Exochomus quadripustulatus can be found from April to October on conifers and in areas with deciduous trees.

Distribution

This species is present in most of Europe, in the eastern Palearctic realm, and in North America. First recorded in Ireland (County Armagh) in 2014.

Diet

Feeds mainly on aphids and scale insects. Specifically, it preys on Diaspidiotus perniciosus.

Life Cycle

Adults overwinter, indicating a seasonal life cycle where larval and adult stages are present during warmer months.

Ecosystem Role

Acts as a biocontrol agent by preying on pest insects such as aphids and scales.

Economic Impact

Two species in the genus have been introduced as biocontrol agents, suggesting their potential role in mitigating pest populations.

Evolution

Classification has changed, with Exochomus quadripustulatus previously placed in Exochomus and now reclassified to Brumus quadripustulatus since 1995.