Nephus quadrimaculatus
This record describes Nephus quadrimaculatus (species). Recorded family: Coccinellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length: 1.5 to 2 mm. Basic colour is black with four (two pairs) reddish-brown kidney-shaped spots, the front pair being larger than the rear pair. Pronotum and head colour is black. Leg colour: brown. Other features: hairy; abdomen has a reddish-brown tip. Unless identified by a recognised expert, good photos are required that show the key ID features. Also state the size in the comments box. Habitats: gardens, woodlands and other habitats where the host plant Ivy is prevalent. Feeds on scale insects. Overwinters in Ivy. Although quite widespread in the southern half of Britain, it is very local and not well recorded.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Coccinellidae
- Genus
- Nephus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Habitats: gardens, woodlands and other habitats where the host plant Ivy is prevalent.
Seasonal Activity
All year round.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Feeds on scale insects. Overwinters in Ivy.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Although quite widespread in the southern half of Britain, it is very local and not well recorded.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Nephus quadrimaculatus. 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 Nephus quadrimaculatus (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Nephus quadrimaculatus
What is Nephus quadrimaculatus?
Nephus quadrimaculatus is a species in the family Coccinellidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Nephus quadrimaculatus?
1.5 to 2 mm. Basic colour is black with four (two pairs) reddish-brown kidney-shaped spots, the front pair being larger than the rear pair. Pronotum and head colour is black. Leg colour: brown. Other features: hairy; abdomen has a reddish-brown tip.
Where is Nephus quadrimaculatus found?
Habitat: Habitats: gardens, woodlands and other habitats where the host plant Ivy is prevalent.
When is Nephus quadrimaculatus active?
Nephus quadrimaculatus: seasonal activity - All year round..
What is the life cycle of a Nephus quadrimaculatus?
Feeds on scale insects. Overwinters in Ivy.