Psyllobora vigintiduopunctata



Psyllobora vigintiduopunctata (often abbreviated to Psyllobora 22-punctata), the 22-spot ladybird, (earlier known as Thea vigintiduopunctata) is a common, 3–5 mm long ladybird native to Europe. This species was originally discovered in Germany in 1874 on the leaves of Astragalus, consuming the hyphae of Erysiphe holosericea. The elytra are yellow in colour with 22 black spots. The pronotum is yellow or white with 5 black spots. Unlike most other ladybirds which feed on aphids, P. 22-punctata eats mildew — especially from umbellifers and low-growing shrubs. The 22-spot ladybird is best looked for amongst low vegetation.

The hemolymph of the 22-spot ladybird beetle contains a new dimeric alkaloid, psylloborine A, which has unique structural features, highlighting the species' complex chemical defenses and evolutionary adaptations.