Brightening up low-growing leaves like a tiny splash of sunshine, the 22-spot ladybird (Psyllobora vigintiduopunctata) is one of Europe’s most distinctive tiny beetles. Measuring just 3 to 5 millimeters long—roughly the size of a sesame seed—this vibrant insect sports a brilliant lemon-yellow coat dotted with exactly 22 jet-black spots across its wing covers. Unlike most ladybirds that hunt aphids, this tiny helper is entirely vegetarian and feeds exclusively on powdery mildew! By clearing away plant fungus along roadside verges and garden leaves, it acts as a wonderful natural crop protector. Don’t let its cute appearance fool predators, though—its vivid color serves as a chemical warning, signaling that its blood contains bitter, toxic alkaloids! I encounter this adorable beetle regularly, but taking a good photo was always a tough challenge due to its tiny size and the intense glare reflecting off its smooth, dome-shaped body. Luckily, on my latest attempt, the light worked in my favor and I captured some of its finer details!