The distributional patterns ofStethorus punctum(LeConte) in relation to densities of the European red mite,Panonychus ulmi(Koch), were investigated within an apple orchard and within an apple tree.S. punctumadults have the ability to find increasing mite populations on trees in an orchard. A prey population averaging 2–3 motile mites/leaf is sufficient to enable the predator population to reproduce and increase in size. Temperature was found to influence the ability ofS. punctumto find its prey. Within the tree, distribution showed thatS. punctumadults search out areas of the tree where the mite populations were the highest.S. punctumlarvae also were found feeding in these areas. Mite populations increased within the row where the leaves were not as heavily hit by spray.