Larch Ladybird - Aphidecta obliterata

Description

Size 4 to 5 mm. Elytra are light tan brown in colour, with very little patterning except perhaps a dark oblique line posteriorly and variable small blotches and spots. The pronotum is beige with brown M mark, and the legs are brown.

Identification difficulty
Recording advice

Unless identified by a recognised expert, good photos are required that show the key ID features. Also state the size in the comments box.

Habitat

Needled conifers, especially Larch, but also on other firs, pines, etc.

When to see it

Mainly in spring and summer.

Life History

Probably relies on camouflage for defence against birds, but can also reflex bleed. It overwinters in the bark crevices of conifers.

UK Status

Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain.

VC55 Status

Occasional in Leicestershire and Rutland.

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2020+ | 2015-2019 | pre-2015

UK Map

Species profile

Common names
Larch Ladybird
Species group:
Beetles
Kingdom:
Animalia
Order:
Coleoptera
Family:
Coccinellidae
Records on NatureSpot:
14
First record:
30/03/2008 (Gould, David)
Last record:
19/02/2024 (Cann, Alan)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

10km squares with records

The latest images and records displayed below include those awaiting verification checks so we cannot guarantee that every identification is correct. Once accepted, the record displays a green tick.

In the Latest Records section, click on the header to sort A-Z, and again to sort Z-A. Use the header boxes to filter the list.

Latest images

Latest records