Kidney-spot ladybird

[jeremiah]

I've never seen one of these before today. I spotted an adult on a spindle bush, and later found I had taken a picture of the pupa as well.



I understand that they eat scale - I wish they'd move into my garden.

[Paul mabbott]

That's an interesting place - spindle trees are winter favourites for several ladybird species but I've not seen a kidney-spot on one! Nice work.
Yes they do eat various scale insects, particularly those on ash and willow, but they won't touch some of the messier pest scales.

Originally Posted by jeremiah

I've never seen one of these before today. I spotted an adult on a spindle bush, and later found I had taken a picture of the pupa as well.



I understand that they eat scale - I wish they'd move into my garden.

[jeremiah]

Thank you - pure serendipity.

There is even a larva in the picture - just visible bottom right on the leaf (different crop of the same photo).