Taxonomy
Aphidecta obliterata | Larch Ladybird
Distribution
Status
Conservation status
Not assessed
Legal status
Not protected
Species Biology
Identification
Adult: 4mm to 5mm in length. Body colour variable, ranging from pink through tan to yellowish-brown. The protonum is white or cream-coloured with a distinctive dark brown 'M'-shaped mark towards the back edge. The legs are orange-brown.
Larvae: pale grey body and few hairs on bumps. Difficult to separate from the larvae of some other species.
Adult habitat & habits
Associated with conifers, particularly firs and larch.
Diet
Feeds on aphids
Distribution
World distribution(GBIF)
It occurs across Europe to the Urals, and is found in parts of North America. It is widespread in Britain.
Irish distribution
Seems to be widespread but there are knowledge gaps on its true distribution in Ireland
Temporal change
Records submitted to Data Centre in 2023
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How can you help
Please submit any sightings of this species to Ladybird Survey
References
Relevant links
Larch ladybird species account from the Ladybirds of Ireland website
Larch ladybirds species account from the UK Ladybird Survey website