For those interested in ladybirds, it isn’t every day you have the chance to admire a major rarity. Surprises don’t turn up all that often but when they do, they can be truly spectacular. Today was one of those days.
Following a post online from a local recorder who had discovered a most unusual pink ladybird in a local cemetery, today I was lucky to see it for myself. Meeting with fellow recorders to take a look, there was little doubt that this could be Poplar Ladybird (Oenopia conglobata). A truly spectacular discovery for reasons I’ll share below.
Oenopia conglobata is found in continental Europe, North Africa and temperate regions of Asia, but is conspicuously absent from the British Isles. Indeed, explore the NBN Atlas and you’ll see there are only two records of this species in the UK: one at Flamborough Head, Yorkshire, and another not far from Glasgow. It is by all accounts, a majorly rare species in the UK turning up either as an accidental import from the continent or as a genuine visitor. I don’t have the answer to that, however.
In their Field Guide to British ladybirds, Helen Roy and Peter Brown list this species as a potential colonist in future so the fact it has popped up in an unassuming part of my home city is fascinating, to say the least. That said, regardless of rarity and dubious origins, this ladybird is a real beauty. With light pink wing cases and a striking black seam, it has square spots somewhat reminiscent of the 14-spot Ladybird. You can take a closer look at its various forms here.
The ladybird will need to be scrutinised by the experts before Newcastle appears on the map alongside Flamborough and Glasgow. Until then, a huge well done to the recorder. British ladybirds don’t come much better than that!
