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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.

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.

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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.

 

Mark Telfer recorded this species at Silvertown Quays, London on 7 August 2013 (via Bubo Pan Species website).

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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