Fungus-eating Lady Beetles
Psyllobora
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Coleoptera
- Suborder: Polyphaga
- Superfamily: Coccinelloidea
- Family: Coccinellidae
- Subfamily: Coccinellinae
- Genus: Psyllobora
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Psyllobora: //sɪˈloʊbərə//
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Images
Summary
Psyllobora vigintiduopunctata, commonly known as the 22-spot ladybird, is a small, fungus-eating beetle notable for its unique diet of plant mildew and its distinctive coloration.
Physical Characteristics
Adult size ranges from 3–5 mm; elytra are yellow with 22 black spots, pronotum is yellow or white with 5 black spots.
Identification Tips
Look for a small ladybird with a distinct pattern of 22 black spots on yellow elytra.
Habitat
Commonly found amongst low vegetation and shrubs, particularly where powdery mildew is present.
Distribution
Native to Europe, specifically first discovered in Germany.
Diet
Primarily feeds on plant mold, especially powdery mildew, rather than typical aphid diets of other ladybirds.
Ecosystem Role
Acts as a biological control agent by feeding on mildew that can be harmful to plants.
Evolution
The species has evolved complex chemical defenses, such as the production of psylloborine A, to deter predators.
Similar Taxa
- Other coccinellids that feed on aphids
Misconceptions
Often confused with other ladybird species due to the common appearance of ladybugs that prey on aphids.
Tags
- ladybird
- fungus-eating
- Psyllobora vigintiduopunctata
- insect
- beetle