Of all the conifer specialist ladybirds, this is one of the most elusive. It is a large, robust species with a light orange-brown background colour and several white streaks and spots which vary in their size, shape and intensity. Despite its size and colour, it can demonstrate remarkable camouflage among the buds of Scots Pine.
Distribution in Ireland: Widespread, but scarce and very local. Current populations are limited to counties Carlow, Wicklow, Kerry, Antrim and Down, although older records exist for Dublin, Derry, Armagh, Cavan, Offaly and eastern Galway. Concentrated recording efforts in these counties may lead to colonies being rediscovered.
Habitat: Restricted to areas where Scots Pine grows, including coniferous woodlands, heathland margins, parkland and even isolated pines along roadsides and among hedgerows. It seems to favour older, more mature trees.
Habits: A predatory species which feeds on large aphids, particularly Cinara species. It is restricted almost entirely to mature Scots Pine, but even then it can be difficult to find. This is partly due to its preference for the higher, often more densely-needled branches. Overwintering sites are poorly known in Ireland, although it has been found nestled among buds on the lower branches of Scots Pine and possibly uses crevices and needle litter below these trees. It is best searched for by beating branches of Scots Pine, particularly mature trees in areas of older woodland.
