Description

Over all length 4mm. Can be orange or yellow with black spots, with spots on the pronotum and the elytra (fifteen to twenty one spots). It is generally redder in the summer and pales to yellowish/beige in the autumn.

Habitat

Waterside vegetation, reeds and rushes. Adults and larvae feed on aphids.

Status and distribution

Fairly common and widespread in waterside habitats through England and Wales but absent from Scotland. Fairly common in Nottinghamshire and at Netherfield Lagoons.

Best time to see

April to September