18-spot ladybird (Myrrha 18-guttata)

18-spot ladybird (Myrrha 18-guttata)

 

Size: 4 - 5mm
Basic colour: maroon
Pattern colour: cream spots
Number of spots: 14-18
Spot fusions: common
Melanic (black) form: no

Pronotum: white with rounded m-mark
Leg colour: brown
Habitat: mature Scots pine
Host plant: Scots pine
Overwintering: High on Scots pine
Food: aphids

Other notes: Will not tolerate the presence of wood ants. Favours higher branches of Scots pine.