DESCRIPTION: Up to 11mm in length. A smart insect with a black head and pronotum, reddish-orange legs and cream to orange striped wing cases.  The cuneus varies from creamy yellow to a rich egg yolk orange and is never black tipped.  There is a noticeable white ring in the middle of the antennae. BEHAVIOUR: Overwinters in the egg stage.  It feeds on aphids and various insect eggs.  The larvae resemble ants, perhaps for camouflage reasons. DISTRIBUTION: Common throughout, more localised in the South. HABITAT: Woodland edges, hedgerows and clearings particularly where Oak and Hawthorn are found. PERIOD: Adults are seen from May to July.