A common and rather variable ladybird. The common form has a red to dull yellow background colour with 10 black spots (although these can be faint or almost missing. Another form is predominantly black or brown with large cream or orange patches, whilst another form is almost entirely black with just two small red patches on the edge of the elytra. The brown legs and size should help eliminate any similar confusion species.
Distribution in Ireland: Widespread and often common in Ireland. This is one of our more abundant species and can be found in most areas.
Habitat: A variety of habitats are used, such as deciduous, mixed and coniferous woods, farmland, bogland margins, parks and gardens.
Habits: An aphid-feeding species which typically inhabits trees. It can be found on Sycamore, Sessile Oak, Scots Pine, Hawthorn, various willows, Larch and Sitka Spruce, as well as other trees. Occasionally occurs on herbaceous vegetation close to the ground. Overwintering sites include curled dead leaves, beech nut husks, dense needles of conifers and bark crevices. It can be easily encountered by beating a variety of trees.
