Another relatively recent arrival in Ireland having first been found in Dublin port in 2017. It is a rather flat, medium-sized ladybird with the typical form possessing a red elytra with a paler rim and 16 black spots. Some specimen can be much paler, or can have fewer or no spots. The strength and visibility of the pale streaks which give the species its name can also vary. The key feature is the dark spots which are right on the lateral edges of the elytra.
Distribution in Ireland: Limited to a small number of sites in Dublin city where it has spread following its initial sighting in Dublin port. Given the frequency of planted Scots Pine and other conifer trees in many areas in Ireland and the extent of the spread of the species in Britain, it is expected to expand its Irish range.
Habitat: A conifer specialist which so far in Ireland has been found in sheltered coastal scrub and parkland. It will likely inhabit a wide variety of sites which permit the growth of Scots Pine and other pines.
Habits: This is a predatory species which feeds on aphids, such as Cinara sp. It spends its entire lifecycle in conifer trees, particularly Scots Pine but also other pine species, and Norway Spruce and Douglas Fir in other parts of its range. This species can be difficult to find unless targeted beating of conifer trees is used. It overwinters in the branch tips of needled conifers. Its spread in Britain has been relatively slow compared to its relative the Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis) and this situation appears to be being replicated in Ireland also.
