Four-spotted Nephus Ladybird Nephus quadrimaculatus

The Four-spotted Nephus ladybird, also commonly called by its taxonomic name of Nephus quadrimaculatus, is tiny, up to 2mm long, and has fine hair on the wing cases so it looks less shiny than some other ladybirds. It has one large forward red patch and a lesser back red patch on each wing case; the red patches do not reach the edge.

It is probably reasonably common in southern England but rarely noticed because of its tiny size and leafy habitat. It is native to most of Europe. A gardener's friend, its eats mealybugs and scale insects. It overwinters in ivy.