like a ladybird but different

[jay2]

please help identify this beetle.
a ladybird red-orange with brown spots, slightly different shape it had a rim to the helmet shape. Around the edge it had oblong chequered pattern and at the front on a very small area it had yellow and black dots.

[jimfoxy]

Very difficult to tell from the description but, maybe, an Orange Ladybird? The black spots at the front being, maybe, eyes? Probably not, though!

[goosey]

Originally Posted by jay2

please help identify this beetle.
a ladybird red-orange with brown spots, slightly different shape it had a rim to the helmet shape. Around the edge it had oblong chequered pattern and at the front on a very small area it had yellow and black dots.

I don't really know, hopefully Paul Mabbott will see this post and may have an idea. All I would suggest is a Harlequin as they are so variable and seem to be everywhere these days. Good luck!

[mrs fish]

Pauls site has pics of different species

The London and Essex Ladybird (Coccinellidae) Surveys: recording ladybirds in London and Essex

The harlequin survey site

Harlequin Ladybird Survey - Recognition and Distinction

Hope you find your ladybird

[Paul mabbott]

Originally Posted by jay2

please help identify this beetle.
a ladybird red-orange with brown spots, slightly different shape it had a rim to the helmet shape. Around the edge it had oblong chequered pattern and at the front on a very small area it had yellow and black dots.

If you'd stopped at the end of the first sentence, I would have suggested a recently emerged pine or kidney-spot ladybird - before the colours have developed. The last bit could also be facial or pronotal patterns, possibly not developed ..... but the 'oblong chequered pattern' doesn't sound like and ladybird, indeed beetle that I know!

All I can suggest is one of the dome shaped true bugs? Or a picture .....