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Cardinal Ladybird  Novius cardinalis

Other Names: Vedalia Ladybird, Vedalia Beetle

In 2003 an outdoor population was present in two nearby locations in Chelsea, London, during Sept-Oct. They did not appear to survive the winter and were not recorded subsequently.

Identification      Length  3.0-4.0mm

A medium sized ladybird. A deep crimson red with irregular black markings. Hairy.

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Photo by George Fowler
Cavalaire-sur-Mer, Var, France
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Photo by George Fowler
Cavalaire-sur-Mer, Var, France
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Punta Prima, Menorca, Spain
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Punta Prima, Menorca, Spain
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Punta Prima, Menorca, Spain
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Punta Prima, Menorca, Spain
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Punta Prima, Menorca, Spain
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Punta Prima, Menorca, Spain
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Punta Prima, Menorca, Spain
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Punta Prima, Menorca, Spain
Punta Prima, Menorca, Spain
Punta Prima, Menorca, Spain
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Larva        Punta Prima, Menorca, Spain

Habitat

This species is used as a biological control against Cottony Cushion Scale, Icerya purchasi.

One of the Chelsea populations was on an Ivy covered wall.

 

On Menorca, Spain in May 2023 I found this species to be abundant in one particular pine tree.

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Pine tree      Punta Prima, Menorca, Spain
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