Pine Ladybird (Exochomus quadripustulatus)

What Are Pine Ladybirds?

Pine Ladybirds are small beetles belonging to the family Coccinellidae, also commonly known as ladybugs or ladybeetles.

They get their common name from their proclivity towards pine trees and their piney scent; however, they can also be found in a variety of other habitats.

As a species, they are quite small, measuring in at around a few millimeters in length.

What Do Pine Ladybirds Look Like?

Pine Ladybirds are small insects, typically measuring less than one centimeter in length.

They have oval bodies that are mostly black with small red spots.

However, each ladybug of this species can vary in appearance, with some having yellow or orange spots instead.

Their abdomens are neatly striped in a combination of black and yellow.

Additionally, their eyes are very large compared to other similarly sized insects, giving them excellent vision.

Benefits Of Using Pine Ladybirds

Vivariums are a great way to bring the beauty and vibrancy of nature into your home.

With the addition of Exochomus quadripustulatus, you can add a unique, colorful touch to your setup.

Not only are these bugs aesthetically pleasing, but they also provide valuable pest-control benefits, helping to keep harmful insects away from your plants.

The presence of a Pine Ladybird can also attract other beneficial insects, creating a more diverse ecosystem in your enclosure or garden.

Finally, these bugs provide an interesting and interactive experience for you and your family.

Pine Ladybird Facts

Pine Ladybirds are small, brightly-colored ladybugs that can reach up to 6 mm in length.

They are omnivorous scavengers and feed primarily on aphids and other small insects.

They are gentle and curious creatures, making them great pets for those who handle them properly.

In the wild, they can live up to many years, while in captivity, they can live much longer.

Breeding is rare but can occur with two specimens and the right environmental conditions.

Habitat

The Pine Ladybird can be found most commonly in the northern regions of the United States, Europe, and Asia.

Native to coniferous forests, they tend to inhabit areas with lots of pine trees or other coniferous trees, and can often be found in environments with plenty of plant life.

Exochomus quadripustulatus prefer cooler, humid climates, seeking out areas where there is plenty of dampness.

During the day, they tend to seek shelter in the crevices of bark or hollowed-out logs – the perfect hideaway from the sun.

At night, ladybirds may be found foraging for food on the undersides of tree needles.

In their native habitats, these lady beetles are most active during the late spring and summer months.

Diet

Pine Ladybirds feed on a variety of small insects and other invertebrates.

They particularly enjoy aphids, spider mites, and beetle larvae, but can also eat caterpillars, scale insects, and leaf-hoppers.

In general, Exochomus quadripustulatus are considered beneficial insects because they keep garden pests in check. 

Though ladybirds will occasionally feed on non-insect food items, they primarily feed on insects.

Temperament

The Pine Ladybirds can make great companions, but they are still wild creatures.

It’s helpful to understand their instinctive behavior and be aware that they can be easily frightened – especially when handled.

When handling Exochomus quadripustulatus, it’s good to cup your hands around them and be as gentle as possible.

In terms of interactions with other animals, ladybirds are mostly peaceful and can peacefully coexist with other pets.

You should still be cautious when introducing your Pine Ladybird to your other animals, as it could cause stress for them both.

Generally speaking, as long as you pay attention to the behavior of both your ladybug and your other animals, it should be easy to successfully introduce them. 

By understanding their temperament and being gentle and patient, you can foster a mutually beneficial relationship with E. quadripustulatus and have a wonderful little insect companion.

Lifespan

Pine Ladybirds are relatively long-lived insects, with a maximum lifespan of one to two years.

These insects typically reach adulthood by the end of their first summer, when they will begin to produce eggs and mate.

The female ladybird will lay up to 20 eggs at a time, which usually hatch within 7 to 12 days. 

The newly hatched larvae will then begin to feed on aphids and other small insects that make up their diet.

A few weeks into their larval stage, the larvae will start to encase themselves in a protective pupal casing, which will transform into the adult Pine Ladybird within a few days.

After emerging as an adult, Exochomus quadripustulatus will reach maturity within a couple of weeks and begin the cycle all over again.

Breeding

Pine Ladybirds reproduce through sexual reproduction.

When it comes time to mate, a male and female will pair up and come together.

The mating process usually begins with the female releasing pheromones to attract the male.

Once the male finds the female, he will tap on her antennae before initiating the mating ritual.

The male will then transfer a spermatophore, a bundle of sperm, into a pouch on the female’s abdomen.

The female lays eggs a few weeks after mating, and the eggs can hatch in anywhere from three to seven days.

The larval stage follows shortly afterward, and the larvae will grow rapidly in just a few weeks before transitioning to adulthood.

Where To Find Pine Ladybirds

Finding Pine Ladybirds in the wild can be tricky since they are native to Europe.

Look for them in wooded areas or under large rocks or logs.

Make sure to wear gloves and handle them carefully since they are delicate.

Be aware, however, that if you collect them from the wild that the climate they are taken from must be recreated in their new environment.

Exochomus quadripustulatus can also be purchased from hobby shops, pet stores, or online insect stores.

Although they are small, they are often quite expensive because they are hard to come by.

When purchasing a Pine Ladybird, inspect it for signs of disease or illness as well as signs of mites or other parasites.