One of two small ladybirds with a yellow ground colour and black spots in Ireland, the other being the 14-spot Ladybird. The current species however has 22 spots which are rarely fused together, as well as a slightly lighter yellow ground colour. It is one of the commoner garden species.
Distribution in Ireland: Widespread and common over much of Ireland.
Habitat: A generalist which can be found in a number of habitats, but deciduous woodlands, parkland, gardens, farmland and scrub often hold greater numbers.
Habits: Like the Orange Ladybird, this species feeds on powdery mildews but prefers those growing on the leaves of a variety of herbaceous plants. It is usually found on low-growing vegetation such as Hogweed, Cow Parsley, Foxglove, nettles and burdocks. Overwintering sites are typically close to the ground and include grassy tussocks, Ivy and sometimes Gorse bushes.
