Nephus quadrimaculatus

Nephus quadrimaculatus

Alternative names
Ivy Ladybird
Four-spotted Nephus
Description

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. 

Identification difficulty
Recording advice

Unless identified by a recognised expert, good photos are required that show the key ID features. Also state the size in the comments box.

Habitat

Habitats: gardens, woodlands and other habitats where the host plant Ivy is prevalent. 

When to see it

All year round.

Life History

Feeds on scale insects. Overwinters in Ivy.

UK Status

Although quite widespread in the southern half of Britain, it is very local and not well recorded.

VC55 Status

Rare, or rarely recorded in Leicestershire and Rutland.

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2025+ | 2020-2024 | pre-2020

UK Map

Additional images

All NatureSpot records