DESCRIPTION:  Up to 4.5mm.  A tiny black ladybird best identified by the size, ground colour and 4 red marks on the pronotum.  The marks can vary but more often than not appear as two comma marks towards the front and two smaller round dots towards the rear.  The color of these spots can also be orange or yellow, but completely reddish-brown specimens may occur.  Take note also of the complete flange around the edge of the elytra.  The legs of this species are also black.  BEHAVIOUR: Pine ladybirds overwinter in leaf litter, foliage and bark crevices of evergreen trees and shrubs.  DISTRIBUTION: Primarily a southern species in Britain but has scattered populations further north which seem to be increasing.  HABITAT:  Despite its name and being the most common species of Pine, this ladybird can be found on a wide range of plants including Ash, Sallow, Horse Chestnut, Ivy, Birch and, Euonymus. Gardens, woodland and hedgerows can be particularly productive areas in which to look for this small beetle.  PERIOD:  April to October.