Vedalia beetle/ladybird

[Paul mabbott]

Here's something to look out for before it gets too cold! Especially if you live in London:

The find and picture are by Josh Hulbert who found several in a garden in south London. This is an Australian species which has pread around the world where it is used attack the citrus cottony cushion scale. It has been found in London before but has apparently not survived the winter. Worth looking out for in plantings and garden centres where it may well have been transported from southern Europe.
It has a pretty consistent body pattern and is quite hairy.

[Jason Green]

Thanks Paul, will do.

[Paul mabbott]

Originally Posted by Jason Green

Thanks Paul, will do.

Great - thought you might!
Another clue, if you see any unusual scale insects on shrubs and trees, these may well be c.c.c.scale - the two usually travel together!