Larch Ladybird - Aphidecta obliterata

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

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

Mainly in spring and summer.

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

Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain.

Occasional in Leicestershire and Rutland.  There were a total of 61 VC55 records for this species up to March 2015.