DESCRIPTION: Length 5 to 6mm.  A mid-sized ladybird that seems more robust than it actually is. The pronotum is white with 5-9 black spots in a very distinctive pattern. The elytra however can be very variable with the ground colour ranging from bright red, brown, yellow, olive to completely black. Spotting is also variable with the norm being 18 spots but with many examples have less or no spots at all. The common name "cream-streaked" is in reference to the vertical pale lines present on many individuals. The legs of this species are brown. DISTRIBUTION: First recorded in Britain in 1939 and mostly seen in the southern half of the country. BEHAVIOUR: Usually this species likes to rest in a head down position on Pine buds. The food source of this species are aphids. HABITAT: Found in gardens, parks and forests where Pine trees are found. PERIOD: Best seen during April to October.