This species is unusual in that it is the only Irish species with a hairy elytra, as well as the only species which feeds on plant matter. It is a small species with a blood-red background colour and 24 small black spots, although these can vary in size and are often fused.
Distribution in Ireland: Very rare and restricted to two stretches of coastline: Blackhead and Rathlin Island, both Co. Antrim. Possibly exists elsewhere in areas of suitable habitat.
Habitat: In Ireland this species is found along steep, well vegetated rocky cliffs along the coast. The presence of Sea Campion seems to be a prerequisite here.
Habits: A very rare and elusive species which was rediscovered in 2020, 118 years after its initial discovery in Co. Antrim. It is a plant feeder which seems to exclusively use Sea Campion in Ireland. Other plant species are used in Britain, such as Red Campion and False Oat Grass. Adults and larvae can be found among clumps of Sea Campion and grassy tussocks nearby, where they will spend the entire year, remaining semi-active during the winter.
