Is this a ladybird?

[violaceus]

~First of all - sorry no pic as I do not have a camera at present.
In a local meadow there is a large patch of stinging nettles, not under the trees but out in full sun. Lots of ladybirds, larva and pupa on the nettles. The one I am puzzled about was glossy black with one large orange spot, with a small black dot in the middle, on each wing. On the head end were two large white spots with a tiny white dot in the middle. I have searched my Collins guide and the insect identifier on this site but cannot find anything similar. Hoping that someone will be able to point me in the right direction.

[aeshna5]

It's one of the melanic Harlequins, f conspicua

[Dogghound]

Sounds like Harmonia axyridis f.conspicua one of the forms of the harlequin ladybird.


EDIT: Aeshna beat me to it.

[Paul mabbott]

Just to explain - the reason it's not in the book, although one of the most abundant species in the country, is that it has only been in the country since 2004!
It's a very variable species (you'll probably find some with up to 25 black spots on red). However, you touched on the crucial feature that the forebody (not the 'head') has large white areas down each side and a small spot centrally.

[Richard Baber]

Hi violaceus

Your description sounds a lot like one of the harlequins I spotted in my garden last week:



Quite handsome, I think.

Richard

[violaceus]

Thank you all for the information (duly noted in my little diary).