This is a rather attractive species which can be easily recognised by the two ‘L’ shaped spots on the elytra just behind the pronotum. It has a chocolate-brown background colour with 18 (sometimes fewer) creamy-white spot of varying sizes. It is a medium-sized species.
Distribution in Ireland: Widespread, but local and generally uncommon. Seemingly absent from Connacht, western Ulster and the midlands, although this may reflect a lack of recording here. It is quite possibly present on most mature Scots Pine trees throughout Ireland, but its habits (see below) make it difficult to detect.
Habitat: A specialist ladybird which only occurs where Scots Pines grow. This can include coniferous and mixed woodlands, parks, heathland margins and coastal dune systems. Isolated pines along roadsides or in farmland can also support populations of this species.
Habits: A predatory species which feeds on pine-dwelling aphids. It spends much of its time in the crown and upper branches of mature Scots Pine trees, being encountered on the lower branches and on immature trees less frequently. As such, it can be difficult to find and is unlikely to be seen without targeted beating of Scots Pine trees. It can occasionally be found on other tree species, such as Lodgepole Pine and even Larch. Its overwintering sites in Ireland include the needles of Scots Pine, as well as among Ivy growing on trunks of the same tree species. It probably also uses bark crevices and fissures.
