Red-flanked (light form) and Conifer Ladybirds Comparison
These two species are often confused but are actually easy to identify.
During 2010-2018 I had 154 records of Red-flanked Ladybird, including 15 records of the pale form. This is 10%, making this a common sight in gardens in the London area.
I have seen several photographs published on the internet of the pale form of Red-flanked Ladybird misidentified as Conifer Ladybird, not suprising as there is little information published for the light form of Red-flanked Ladybird.
Habitat : Red-flanked
Gardens, especially in ornamental evergreen shrubs.
Habitat : Conifer
Pine trees, can be abundant in Scots Pine on heathland. Occasionally in garden shrubs.
Size and Shape : Red-flanked
Relatively large, robust and wide bodied, oval-shaped.
Antennae very short, half head width.
Size and Shape : Conifer
Small and narrow bodied, oval shaped.
Antennae fairly short, slightly shorter than head width.
Colour : Red-flanked
A bright orange-red colour with strong contrast with the dark central line.
Colour : Conifer
A dull dark chestnut colour lacking contrast with the dark central line.
_e.jpg)
_edited.jpg)
Underside : Red-flanked
The front edge of the underside of the wingcase (epipleuron) is red. This is diagnostic.
_edited.jpg)
Underside : Conifer
The underside, including the epipleuron, is black.
_edited.jpg)
Head Colour : Red-flanked
Males show a red head and cheeks which are distinctive. Females have a black head.
Head Colour : Conifer
Always shows a black head and face.