Orange Ladybird - Halyzia sedecimguttata

Easy to identify, with its orange/yellow head, body and legs.

It is often found in woodland, particularly around Sycamore and Ash trees.

April to October.

It feeds on mildew and overwinters in leaf litter or in sheltered positions on trees.

This species was once closely associated with ancient woodland but is now increasing in the UK as it has adapted to feed on Sycamore and Ash.

Fairly common in Leicestershire and Rutland. There were a total of 285 VC55 records for this species up to March 2015.