The Larch Ladybird can easily be overlooked due to its rather dull appearance. It has a beige background colour and rarely possesses any spots (although it may have two curved dash-like markings towards the rear of the elytra). The most distinctive feature is a dark ‘M’ marking on the pronotum, although in some specimens this may be more subtle. It can blend it rather effectively on the buds and cones of conifer trees.
Distribution in Ireland: Widespread and locally common. There is a lack of records from the midlands and much of Connacht, however this is perhaps due to a lack of recorder activity there.
Habitat: A conifer specialist, the Larch Ladybird is one of the very few species which have benefitted from the widespread planting of conifer plantations. Dense stands of non-native Douglas Fir and Sitka Spruce can be surprisingly productive for this species. It is also found in mixed woodlands, parks, graveyards and other areas with coniferous trees.
Habits: A arboreal predator of adelgids, aphids and scale insects. It occurs almost exclusively on conifers, particularly larger, more mature trees. Despite its name, it is by no means restricted to Larch and can also be found on Scots Pine, Douglas Fir, Sitka Spruce, Western Hemlock and probably other related species. In my experience, Douglas Fir is the most productive conifer for this species. Beating the lower branches of these trees is one of the best methods to find this species. It overwinters among bark crevices, dense needled branches and on Ivy growing on these trees.
