An invasive species which has been present in Ireland since 2007. It may have been transported here accidentally in imported plants, or introduced deliberately as a means of biological control for aphid infestations. It has now established and is breeding successfully in Ireland. It is generally a large ladybird with the typical form possessing a red background colour and 16 black spots, with a creamy-white pronotum and 5 black spots, often fused to form an ‘M’ shape or solid trapezoid shape. The background colour can vary however from dull yellow to black, whilst the spots can be reduced, absent or replaced with red patches on the elytra depending on the form. The size, brown legs and number and arrangement of spots should aid with identification. It is also a rather broad ladybird with a rounded, ‘hunched’ elytra.
Distribution in Ireland: Primarily found in the south and east, particularly within the vicinities of larger cities such as Dublin, Cork and Belfast. Small numbers of scattered records exist in Connacht and Ulster. It is likely to be spreading relatively quickly.
Habitat: A generalist which can be found in parks, gardens, deciduous and mixed woodlands, scrub and wetlands.
Habits: A voracious predator which feeds on aphids, soft fruit, pollen, small insects and other ladybird larvae. Its occurrence in southern Britain has been linked to declines in native ladybird species. It is often found on herbaceous vegetation such as Yarrow, Hogweed, reeds, thistles, brambles, Nettle and others. Trees such as Sycamore, Leyland Cypress and Sallow may be frequented, but it can occur on many more plant species. Overwintering occurs in sheds, houses, crevices in fences, evergreen vegetation and other sheltered, low positions within its habitat. Tree beating or visual searching can be useful techniques to find this species.
