Larch ladybird (Aphidecta obliterata)

Larch ladybird (Aphidecta obliterata)

 

Size: 4 - 5mm
Basic colour: tan brown
Pattern colour: none or dark oblique line posteriorly
Number of spots: 0-10
Spot fusions: rare
Melanic (black) form: rare in UK

Pronotum: biege with brown m-mark
Leg colour: brown
Habitat: needled conifers
Host plant: larch, firs, pines, etc
Overwintering: bark crevices of conifers
Food: adelgids, coccids

Other notes: Probably relies on camouflage for defence against birds, but can also reflex bleed.