A familiar species and our commonest ladybird. It is a large species with a red ground colour and 7 black spots. Minor variations exists, such as spot size and background colour but overall it is not a variable species and is easily recognised.
Distribution in Ireland: Widespread throughout.
Habitat: A generalist which can be common on low-growing vegetation in scrub, woodland clearings, farmland, dune systems, bogland, parks and gardens.
Habits: A predatory ladybird which feeds on aphids. Generally found on herbaceous vegetation such as brambles, nettles, thistles, Hogweed, Cow Parsley, Yarrow, Ragwort, plantains and others. Shrubs and trees such as Gorse, Privet, heathers, Scots Pine, Sitka Spruce, Oak, Sycamore and willows may also be frequented. It can easily be found by sweeping, beating or visually searching these plants. Overwintering sites are varied and include evergreen plants such as Gorse, Ivy, Holly and Scots Pine, dead leaves, grass tussocks and other low-growing plants.
