22 Spot Ladybird
Psyllobora vigintiduopunctata
This record describes Psyllobora vigintiduopunctata (species). Recorded family: Coccinellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
The brightest of the yellow British ladybirds, it always has 22 spots, which rarely join up. It is a small ladybird at 3 to 4.5 mm. There are two colour varieties, one where the pronotum is yellow, the other where it is white. This species is relatively easy to identify and is unlikely to be confused with anything else. However photos are always helpful to confirm your record. As a mildew feeder, the 22-spot Ladybird is best looked for amongst low vegetation. It is unusual amongst ladybirds in that eats mildew, grazing from the soil surface or from low herbage. The 22 spot is fairly frequent throughout England, but less so in Scotland and Wales.
Wikipedia reference for Psyllobora vigintiduopunctata: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psyllobora_vigintiduopunctata.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Coccinelloidea
- Family
- Coccinellidae (Lady Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Coccinellinae
- Genus
- Psyllobora (Fungus-eating Lady Beetles)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
As a mildew feeder, the 22-spot Ladybird is best looked for amongst low vegetation.
Seasonal Activity
April to August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
It is unusual amongst ladybirds in that eats mildew, grazing from the soil surface or from low herbage.
Additional species information
Recorded status
The 22 spot is fairly frequent throughout England, but less so in Scotland and Wales.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Psyllobora vigintiduopunctata. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Coleoptera is the largest order of insects with over 400,000 described species, representing ~25% of all known animal species and ~40% of all insects. In the U.S. alone, nearly 30,000 beetle species have been identified.
Ecological role of the group
Beetles are prominent decomposers, especially in forests, breaking down dead wood and recycling nutrients. As predators, they reduce populations of pest insects. Many species are also important pollinators of flowering plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Beetles have major economic significance: leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) and weevils (Curculionoidea) are among the most destructive agricultural pests globally, costing billions annually, while predatory species like ladybugs provide natural pest control.
Recorded sources for this group: Britannica, Smithsonian, NCSU Entomology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of 22 Spot Ladybird (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About 22 Spot Ladybird
What is 22 Spot Ladybird?
22 Spot Ladybird (Psyllobora vigintiduopunctata) is a species in the family Coccinellidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is 22 Spot Ladybird found?
Habitat: As a mildew feeder, the 22-spot Ladybird is best looked for amongst low vegetation.
When is 22 Spot Ladybird active?
22 Spot Ladybird: seasonal activity - April to August..
What is the life cycle of a 22 Spot Ladybird?
It is unusual amongst ladybirds in that eats mildew, grazing from the soil surface or from low herbage.