22-spot Ladybird Psyllobora vigintiduopunctata
(c) Vilppu Välimäki, some rights reserved (CC BY)
OrderBeetles (Coleoptera)
FamilyLady Beetles (Coccinellidae)
GenusFungus-eating Lady Beetles (Psyllobora)
This is ladybird life with a serious twist: unlike their aphid-hunting relatives, these tiny 3-5mm beetles specialize in eating fungal hyphae. That's right—they're basically mold-hunters that help control powdery mildew on plant leaves. Originally discovered in Germany in 1874 feeding on infected vegetation, they've since expanded across Europe.
The 22 black spots on bright yellow wing covers make them instantly identifiable. Small but mighty, they're valuable allies in organic gardens and natural pest management.
Think you can identify this one in the wild?
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