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.

Also recorded in 2013 it is likely that this species may occur occasionally, either naturally or as a result of accidental introduction but currently shows no signs of establishing a permanent population.

Identification Length 3.0-4.0mm

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

Face: red or black.

Pronotum: mainly black with red leading edge.

Wing cases: red background with black stripe along central line bulging above half way point (forming distinctive diamond shape) and running straight towards rear where it splays out around rear edge of the wing cases.

Four large black irregular spots (two on each wing case) sometimes merging together.

The forward spots are angled, often fusing with the central line.

The rear spots often fuse across the central line to form a wavy line. The darkest individuals have the majority of the rear half of the wing cases black with just a pair of small red spots remaining.

Legs: femur black, tibia and tarsus red.

Underside: central section black, outer edges red.