CLOSED: Exochomus quadripustulatus ? Would like to add to BF.

I've never had so many ladybirds in my garden like in this year, also never had so many aphids. I find larva's everywhere.
This one just came out of that stage. The closest I could find in a search on the web is 'Exochomus quadripustulatus', but there are some differences, like the spots on mine are differently shaped and has a white rim around the front part of the body, which is lacking in the ones I found on the web.

another picture;

Pending the opinions/determinations of the knowlege-based bug 'pros' - I agree with you, bonitin: it appears to be the Pine Ladybird Beetle (Exochomus quadripustulatus).

You may've already seen this info, as to how the lady beetles can vary greatly within a species > http://www.gardensafari.net/english/picpages/exochomus_quadripustulatus.htm

Also, be sure to check out this site about the Kidney-Spot Ladybird (Chilocorus renipustulatus). It may well be a likely contender > http://www.ladybird-survey.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/morladypics.htm

Thanks Magpye, I've looked at all these species and I'm still doubting because none of them have that white rim around the front part of the body or is such a difference of little significance ?
I find it soooo.. difficult to identify ladybirds with certainty.
Should I add it anyway under Exochomus quadripustulatus in the BF ?

bonitin, it's the dreaded Harlequin Ladybird, Harmonia axyridis spectabilis, scroll down and you will see one exactly like yours. The white on the face is the diagnostic feature.

http://www.glaucus.org.uk/Ladybirds.html

You will see there are different subspecies

http://aolsearch.aol.co.uk/aol/image?invocationType=topsearchbox.image&query=Harmonia+axyridis+spectabilis

I might you're right Wallaby, one of the pictures in the second link you gave is a very close match. The front spots have exactly the same shape as in mine, but then the white marks on its front part don't correspond with mine which has really the shape of a rim, I haven't seen in any other pictures of ladybirds.

I really seem to have an invasion of these beetles; every where I find larvas and pupas in different stages of development.

http://aolsearch.aol.co.uk/aol/imageDetails?invocationType=imageDetails&query=Harmonia+axyridis+spectabilis&img=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.glaucus.org.uk%2FHarlequin-Ladybird-033.jpg&site=&host=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.glaucus.org.uk%2FLadybirds.html&width=134&height=139&thumbUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fimages-partners.google.com%2Fimages%3Fq%3Dtbn%3ABLgTIeCqKLzcjM%3Awww.glaucus.org.uk%2FHarlequin-Ladybird-033.jpg&b=image%3FinvocationType%3Dtopsearchbox.image%26query%3DHarmonia%2520axyridis%2520spectabilis

I see what you mean bonitin, the white patches on yours are long and thin as opposed to a broader rounded shape. I think the shapes can vary slightly, but they are there which is the important thing.

Some other pics of this one have different shapes on the back, yours match that pic very closely.


The thinking being that if the back spots can vary, then so can the white marks

http://www.mygarden.me.uk/Harmonia%20axyridis%20spectabilis.jpg

http://www.david.element.ukgateway.net/beetles16ladybirds5.htm

Bonitin - what camera are you using. The detail in those photos is fantastic.

Hi Barksy,

My camera is a Canon Ixus 700. It has a macro mode and 7.1 Mp.

I had the time to go through all the sites once more Wallaby has given and studied carefully and although I didn't find an exact match I think the balance tips over to the Harlequin beetle. So I'll add it like that to the BF.
The extra information I got is worrying as this beetle seems to threaten the native ladybird population, also lacewings and other native beneficial insects. How irresponsible of the ones who are responsible for that! Will they never learn from past mistakes ?