Ladybirds Newly emerged adults released onto Silver Birch from whence the pupae came. . 2 spot, Kidney-spot ladybird Chilocorus renipustulatus At 5mm in length, I had originally assumed this to be the black form of the 2-spot ladybird but, expert opinion has pointed out that it is more representative of the Kidney-spot ladybird. The distinctive features being that whereas the 2-spot is quite ovoid in shape, this one is more circular (a characteristic of the chilocorine group of ladybirds), and that the red spots are placed rather farther forward on the elytra than the 2-spot's centrally placed spots. While the spots on this specimen do not appear particularly 'kidney shaped', they are 'within the normal variation' for the species. Date One found on Leylandii foliage brought down by wind. 4 spot, Pine ladybird Exochomus 4-pustulatus The Pine ladybird is another small species, just a little over 4mm in overall length. So its dull red spots are not too easy to see against its black elytra. But the unique identifier for this species is the 'comma-like' shape of the two front spots.

Although called the Pine ladybird (because it was initially identified preying on scale insects on pine trees) it is now recognised to prey on scale insects found on other trees as well. So it is just as likely to be found on Ash, Horse Chestnut, Sycamore and Lime trees. Date Found on garage wall underneath Horse Chestnut tree. . Coccinella septempunctata Not quite the largest of the ladybirds at 8mm, but probably the best known. It is universally known as the gardener's friend on account of the prodigious number of aphids it consumes, both in larval and adult form. The female can lay up to 200 eggs. From birth the larvae predate on aphids and in their three week larval state will account for hundreds - and grow to some 13mm, much larger than the adult. The adults hibernate over winter and become active from April onwards, depending on weather conditions. The resident UK population is also supplemented by migrants from the continent. Date A few early larva found. . 7 spot, Adonis ladybird Hippodamia variegata The more one becomes aware of ladybirds, the more one realises that nothing should be taken for granted.

As this one scuttled down the long grass stem, I assumed that it was a 2 Spot. Then I caught sight of another spot and, on close inspection, found that there were seven spots - all on a 5mm ladybird only about half the size of a 'normal' 7 Spot species. The other thing of note was that whereas the 'normal' 7 Spotter has an almost circular body shape, this one was rather 'shield' shaped with 6 spots displaced towards the rear. But, before I could congratulate myself that I had identified another species, I discovered the significance of the 'variegata' tag in the scientific name. It seems that the 7 Spot Adonis can sport variants with between three and fifteen spots, which may merge or be discrete! It is not widely distributed and is classified as 'localised' rather than 'common'. Like most ladybirds, it predates on aphids - but only on certain species of aphid. If it has to follow transient aphid populations this could well account for its localised habitats. Date On Dog Rose growing in hawthorn hedge. .

10 Spot Ladybird Adalia 10-punctata This can be a very variably marked species, though it seems that the top image is of one of the more common forms. It can range from this orange form all the way through to a brown version with orange spots. And just to make life even more difficult, it does not always carry 10 spots. As the background colour varies, so some of the spots can merge with the background. And it can even live with 10+ spots as the lower image of a 13 spot variation shows. (The true 13 spot species, Hippodamia 13-punctata, is believed to be extinct in the UK.) This specimen had a pale skirt to the elytra and a whitish pronotum with black markings. This species is much the same size as the 2 spot species ( 5mm ) with which it can sometimes be confused. But the defining feature appears to be that this species always has pale legs, whereas the 2 spot always has black legs. The upper image caught the moment of lift-off, where the wing cases (elytra) open and the veins in the wings stretch the wings to their maximum area prior to flight.

Date 10 spot found Siver Birch, Betula pendula. 11 spot Ladybird Coccinella undecimpunctata This poor little critter seems to have a scorch mark on its wing case (maybe a spark from a chimney or a bonfire) which only serves to remind us that all living things can suffer accidents. There are several ladybird species which are recognised to be 'variable' in the number of spots that they might have - and some can have 11 spots, but the size of this one, just over 5mm, it's oval shape and the distribution of spots appears consistent with the true Coccinella undecimpunctata. It is a species that appears to favour coastal regions and in the UK is most commonly found in the SE England region. Date 16 Spot, Orange Ladybird Halyzia sedecimguttata Although this species is regarded as 'not common, very local', it appears to be extending its range and we may well be seeing more of it in future.

From an identification angle, the feature I found most intriguing was the apparently transparent flat 'skirt' all the way around the elytra (wing cases) and pronotum (upper shield covering the thorax). Overall length was 6mm with head tucked in and 7.5mm with head extended. The scale shown alongside the upper image is confusingly calibrated in sixteenths of an inch. Millimetres were on the other side! This particular specimen was found on a garden Viburnum tree, but the species is known to favour Sycamore and has been reported on Ash and Blackthorn, all of which are to be found locally. Both the adult and the larvae feed on mildew. Date 4 found on bracken in Carmen Wood, Benniworth. . 16 Spot Ladybird Titthaspis sedecimpunctata This is another tiny species, only 3mm long but, it taught me that one should never take anything for granted.

Having taken the picture, I was about to label it as 'just another 22 spot' (it is not too easy to count spots on a 3mm ladybird!) , when I noticed the continuous dark line down it's back - not a common ladybird feature. That made me take a closer look and then the merged spots became obvious. Plus the fact that it did not have 22 spots! It favours damp regions and coastal areas. Date Pysllobora (Thea) 22punctata Very small (3-4mm), and quite common throughout central and northern Europe. Their food source is - mildew! So they can be found on a wide range of vegetation - over-ripe fruits are favourite. This one was on Hedge Mustard which was indeed showing early signs of mildew attack. On something so small it can be quite difficult counting its spots and a side view is best. Only the spots on the elytra (wing cases) are counted. And in a species so wide ranging the colour and pattern is surprisingly consistent - although the small spot on the extreme outside edge of the elytra can sometimes be rather indistict.

Date Found on long, coarse grass under a lichen covered wooden gate. Harlequin ladybird Harmonia axyridis The Harlequin ladybird is of Asian origin, a recent immigrant - and capable of prodigious reproduction. It was originally confined to the south of the UK but is spreading relentlessly northwards. It appeared in my area of East Lincolnshire in July 2007. Unfortunately, from an identification view point, the adult Harlequin, can have a variable number of spots. The most consistent feature to look out for is the distinctive black and white pronotum just in front of the wing cases. When seen lifesize it appears like a small dark 'M' against the white background. An increasingly common form has black wing cases with two red spots, each with a small white dot in the centre and is currently known as the 'Bullseye' form. The Harlequin is known to be interbreeding with native species so all sorts of hybrids may emerge to confuse things even more. At 8mm in length, it is of comparable size to the 7-spot and Orange ladybirds.

So any ladybird of that size which is not a 7-spot or an Orange ladybird could well be a Harlequin. One of the Harlequin's less endearing features was demonstrated to me rather dramatically. I had two pupae on the same Willow leaf under observation. The first to emerge (the 19-spot example in the second image) promptly ate the second as it hatched! So, if they have cannabalistic tendencies towards their own species, there can be little doubt that they will not be averse to predating on native specie as well - and there are fears that it may have a severe impact upon them. Recognition of the larvae (third image), tends to be rather more straightforward. All the ones that I have seen appear to be consistent in shape and colouring. They can grow up to 9mm in length and are very distictively marked - no problem identifying these. And the pupae, too, are quite unique (lower image). Although they tend to darken as they mature, they always retain the fringe of black and white bristles. And they are not difficult to find, being attached quite prominently on the upper surface of leaves with no attempt at camouflage.

Date BBC - Breathing Places - Learn about ladybirds Learn about ladybirds Information about the 46 different ladybirds in Britain: Identification | Lifecycle | Natural enemies | The harlequin ladybird Get clued up about ladybirds Breathing Places would like you to turn over leaves, roll back stones and peer inside window frames in the hunt for ladybirds. Populations of some native UK ladybirds are in decline, possibly due in part to an invasive newcomer - the harlequin ladybird. Do One Thing for nature and learn about ladybirds - the different types, their lifecycle and natural enemies. Read on for how you can encourage ladybirds into your wild spaces and take part in the UK Ladybird Survey. Ladybirds in Britain Ladybirds (sometimes called ladybugs) are beetles. There are 46 different types in the UK, but only 26 look like a classic ladybird, brightly coloured and patterned. Many species are named after a number of spots. 2-spot, 7-spot and 10-spot ladybirds are all common. Counting the spots is not always a good way to identify them though, as the number of spots can vary a lot.

Not all ladybirds even have spots; some have stripes, patches or streaks. What kind of ladybird is that? If spot number alone isn't a good indication, what else is? Here are useful characteristics to observe: Wing case colour Colour and shape of spots or markings Leg colour Body length Colour of the pronotum - the small section of casing between the head and the wing cases. (It's black and white in this drawing of an eyed ladybird.) Breathing Places' ladybird partner, the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, has an interactive online Ladybird Spotter application to help you identify different types. Ladybird lifecycle A ladybird's lifecycle has four stages: egg, larva, pupa and adult. Egg - Ladybirds lay eggs one or more times a year (species vary), in batches of up to 40. They are yellow or orange and will hatch within 4-10 days. Larva - The larvae vary in colour and markings. Many are grey with mottled spots but yellow, buff or brown larvae are also found. A larva sheds its skin four times over a 3-6 week period, before attaching itself to a leaf or stem and becoming a...

Pupa - The sleepy pupal stage (photo right) usually lasts up to two weeks. A lot is happening inside - the ladybird is going through metamorphosis. Adult - Newly emerged ladybirds are bright yellow. Over the first few hours, the wing casing hardens and the distinctive colour patterns develop. Natural enemies Threats to ladybirds include predators, parasites and rival ladybirds. Most other animals find that ladybirds taste terrible. The bright colour acts as a warning. They also 'bleed' an unpleasant substance when attacked. Birds such as swifts and swallows do eat ladybirds, as do some spiders and beetles. Parasites attack ladybird pupae and adults. You can investigate this if you take part in the UK Ladybird Parasite Survey . When aphid (greenfly) populations are high, they supply ample food for hungry ladybirds. But in colder months, food is less abundant and ladybirds must compete for food. Sometimes ladybirds attack each other - harlequin ladybird larvae are known to eat other ladybird larvae, pupa or eggs. Harlequin ladybird Harlequins were introduced into mainland Europe from Asia, to control plant pests.

They appeared in Britain in 2004, and seem able to thrive here, possibly outcompeting some native ladybird species. They can be difficult to identify as they have many forms - including orange with up to 21 black spots, and black with two or four red spots. Do One Thing for ladybirds Join the Breathing Places 2010 Do One Thing and tell us what native and non-native ladybirds are up to in your local area. There are two surveys you can join in with: the UK Ladybird Survey and the UK Ladybird Parasite Survey . Or revisit the summer activity from 2008 to make somewhere near you into a minibeast home for ladybirds and other tiny wildlife. What are the different colors of ladybugs? | Reference.com What are the different colors of ladybugs? A: Quick Answer Ladybugs can be red, yellow, orange, gray, black, brown or pink in color. When the adult ladybug first emerges from the pupa state, its colors and patterns look very dull. However, as the soft exoskeleton hardens, ladybugs develop their characteristic bright colors.

In nature, these bright colors are indicative of an animal being poisonous or foul tasting or having the ability to defend itself. Full Answer Ladybugs vary in both color and pattern. Some ladybugs have no pattern at all, but those that are patterned may have different numbers and sizes of spots or stripes. As ladybugs age, the color of their pattern fades, but the pattern remains throughout their lifespan. There are about 5,000 different species of ladybugs in the world with over 400 types in North America alone.The most common ladybug in North America is the seven-spotted ladybug, which is indigenous to Europe but was brought to North America in the middle of the 20th century. The seven-spotted ladybug can be red or orange and has seven spots - three on each side and one in the middle. Another prevalent ladybug species is the convergent lady beetle. This ladybug is a reddish color and has a pair of white convergent markings on the shell. The convergent lady beetle also has between zero and 13 spots that are 4 to 7mm in length.

BBC News - Ladybird spotting: British v foreign bugs Ladybird spotting: British v foreign bugs By Megan Lane BBC News Magazine Ladybirds no longer come in one colour - red with symmetrical black spots. Now there are red ones, orange ones, yellow, brown and black ones. And, to the dismay of gardeners and farmers, invasive incomers are gobbling up native species. But how to tell the difference? FIVE LADYBIRDS COMMONLY SEEN IN BRITAIN Name Imported by European and US farmers to prey on pests. Very invasive. Eats other ladybirds, as well as larvae and eggs of other insects. Imports banned in 2004. Harlequins spread to south-east England that same year. Now widespread and found as far north as Scotland. Larger than most at 6-8mm. Its name refers to the many different wing colours. Orange with 15-21 black spots is most common - 75% of harlequin sightings in the UK Ladybird Survey. But some are yellow, some red and others black (see below). Most common of the native species. Often found in grasses and nettles, and a familiar garden inhabitant.

Also a big ladybird at 6-8mm in length. Red with seven spots, as its name implies. Eats aphids - which sucks the sap out of plants - so popular with gardeners and farmers. Harlequin - black 25% of UK harlequin population. But rare in the US, where harlequins are mainly orange. Harlequins of all colours typically found in trees and nettle patches. Two or four red spots. Brown legs, just like orange, red and yellow harlequins. Another common feature of the harlequin - whatever its colour - is a raised ridge at the rear across its wing cases. 14-spot ladybird Had been in decline, but rallied in 2010 UK Ladybird Survey. This may be because more food - aphids - available, either because other ladybird species in decline, or aphids had a good year themselves. At 4mm, it's half the size of seven-spot and harlequin ladybirds. Wide variety in its markings - its often rectangular spots often fuse. May be yellow with black spots, or black with yellow spots. Two-spot ladybird (comes in red and black) Widespread.

Most at risk from harlequins as habitats and prey - aphids - overlap. Two-spots are also sold online to gardeners Small ladybird at 4-5mm. Because two-spots are small, harlequins simply devour them. May be red with two black spots, or black with two red spots (plus two red blobs on shoulders). AND FIVE YOU'RE LESS LIKELY TO SEE Name Increasing in numbers and distribution. Spreading north and west from south-east England. May benefit from climate warming - grasslands and meadows heat up faster, meaning more habitats available. Small and hairy species at 3-4mm. Has up to 26 spots. Wings covered in fine hairs. Unlike the 2-spot ladybird, its habitat doesn't overlap with the much bigger harlequin. 13-spot ladybird Was thought extinct in the UK. But now recolonising southern England from mainland Europe and the Channel Islands. Spotted from Hampshire to Cornwall. Typically found in marshy areas. May have between seven and 15 spots - despite its name. 5-7mm in length. More elongated and flattened body than rounder ladybirds such as the familiar seven-spot.

Inconspicuous ladybird Rare, and on the red list of endangered species. But this may be because - as the name suggests - it is a difficult ladybird to spot. Mainly found in south-east England. Feeds on scale insects. Often found basking on ivy-clad walls. Tiny at just 1.5-2mm in length. Wings vary from light to dark brown. Some have cream bow-shaped marking on back. Bryony ladybird An incomer, but a benign one, says ladybird expert Helen Roy. "It just feeds on white bryony plants. It doesn't cause any problems, and - unlike other ladybirds - it doesn't solve any by eating pests." First spotted in Oxfordshire in 1997, and has spread slowly into Surrey. 5-7mm in length. Orange wings with 11 small black spots. Covered in fine, downy hairs. Water ladybird Found on reeds and grasses in England and Wales. Also starting to spread into Scotland. Elongated 4mm body makes it look beetle-like. Changes colour with the seasons. Brown when dormant in winter to blend in with dried leaves.

Orange and red in summer - danger colours to warn off predators. UK Ladybird Survey - Lots about ladybirds Lots about ladybirds Scanning Electron Micrograph of ladybird pronotum Many people do not realise that we have so many different ladybirds living in Britain: 46 species. Not all of them are brightly coloured and spotty; some are really quite dull looking and are not recognisable as ladybirds. There are 27 species from the ladybird family (scientifically called the Coccinellidae) that actually look like ladybirds and here are some fun facts about them. The most common species of ladybird in Britain is the seven-spot ladybird. This bright red ladybird has seven spots and is thought to have inspired the name ladybird: "Lady" referring to the Virgin Mary (Our lady) who in early paintings is seen wearing a red cloak; the seven spots are symbolic of the seven joys and seven sorrows of Mary. Harlequin munching an aphid A few species feed on plants or mildew but most ladybirds eat aphids (greenfly) or scale insects. Both are garden pests and this is why so many people love to see ladybirds.

The seven-spot ladybird can eat 5000 aphids during its year long lifespan. No! The number of spots does not relate to age at all! No. When an adult ladybird is formed, it stays the same size for the rest of its life. Humans have a skeleton inside their bodies, called an "endoskeleton", but beetles like ladybirds have theirs outside (an "exoskeleton"). This hard skeletal outside means that they can't grow any bigger. The bright colours warn potential enemies such as predators that ladybirds are not at all tasty. This so called "warning colouration" reminds predators of previous distasteful encounters with ladybirds! This is called "reflex blood". It is very strong smelling and contains the toxins which make ladybirds off-putting to so many predators. Ladybirds do not die after producing reflex blood; it is part of their warning system. Harlequin ladybird pupa Ladybird adults spend the cold winter months in a dormant state. As the weather warms up in late February and March the adults begin to get active and search for early aphids to eat. The adults mate in the spring and the females lay eggs during the spring and early summer.

This generation of adults then dies as the new generation hatches out. The newly emerged larvae (immature ladybirds) do not look anything like their parents; they are black and grub-like. During this stage they eat lots and shed their skin three times before pupating. The pupa stage lasts about a week and from this the new adult emerges. The new adults must eat lots of aphids to build up reserves to see them through the winter months. If you have any questions you would like to ask the Ladybird Survey Team then please e-mail us: ladybird-survey@ceh.ac.uk LLP - Identifying Ladybugs | Natural History Museum of Los Angeles LLP - Identifying Ladybugs | Natural History Museum of Los Angeles Module - EE - AOM media First Fridays: Previous Seasons Over the past decade, First Fridays has introduced adult audiences to a new kind of museum experience. Explore past First Fridays and see which of your favorite scientists and musicians were here at NHM! Module - First Fridays: Get Hip to Science Street Names of Los Angeles You may ride, drive, bike, run and walk your L.A. streets, but do you know the history behind L.A. street names?

Module - History - LA Street Names - Video Support Today's Scientists, Inspire Tomorrow's Scientists When you give to the Museum, you support our scientists' research on the planet's biodiversity. You are also creating tomorrow's scientists. Our teacher resources make each field trip a learning experience, our education outreach brings the science of discovery to schools all over L.A. Module - Join Us - Today's Scientists Want to Visit the Butterflies? For more information about bringing your class or other group to the Butterfly Pavilion. Contact Us Identifying Ladybugs Ladybugs, ladybirds, or lady beetles? All of these names are common ways to refer to the iconic red and black insects we find in our gardens, parks, and agricultural fields. Although not all ladybugs are red and black (some are even yellow or brown), they all share characteristics that will help you identify them. Coleoptera As with all insects in the Order Coleoptera (the beetle group), ladybugs have two pairs of wings. The front set of wings is modified into shell-like coverings called elytra. These are the parts of the ladybug we notice first, with variable patterns of spots, streaks, bands, blotches, or nothing at all.

The other part of the ladybug that you will become familiar with, if you want to identify them, is the pronotum. This body part is actually the first segment of an insect's thorax (the second body part of all insects, where the wings and legs join the body). It can easily be located by looking between the wings and head, some people think it looks like a collar. As with the elytra, you will want to take note of the patterns on the pronotum. Field Guide Once you become adept at finding, collecting, and photographing ladybugs you will realize ladybug identification is relatively easy for the large, showy species. Below we have created a field guide to the most common larger ladybugs of the Los Angeles region. You can also print out a copy of our field guide (950K, PDF), to take out on your next trip. Happy ladybug hunting! Multicolored Asian Ladybug Harmonia axyridis As you may have guessed, I come in many different color patterns, with many spots or just a few. I am consistently large and rounded. I was introduced from Japan for biocontrol of garden and agricultural pests.

I am now very common on the East Coast and am becoming more common in the West. Convergent Ladybug Hippodamia convergens I am a California native ladybug with an oval, rather than rounded, body. I can have 13 or fewer spots. I take my name from the two converging white lines on my pronotum (the shield like part that covers my head). In the winter you can find me in huge colonies in the local mountains. Seven-Spotted Ladybug Coccinella septempunctata I am another introduced species of ladybug closely related to the nine-spot. I was introduced from Europe in 1956 and have spread throughout the United States. I always have three spots on each elytra (shell-like front wings), with my seventh spot in the middle. Parenthesis Ladybug Hippodamia parenthesis Instead of spots I have markings that look like punctuation! With either two or four black marks that make up my parentheses, I am not easily confused with the nine-spot. I am a small ladybug and I am native to North America.

Twice-stabbed Ladybug Chilochorus orbus/fraternus Unlike many ladybugs I have markings of the opposite colors — red spots instead of black. Because of this coloration I am very easy to identify in the field. I am native to California and can sometimes be found in orchards. No-spotted Ladybugs Cycloneda polita, and Cycloneda sanguinea We are ladybugs with no spots! The only way to tell us apart is to look at the white markings on our pronota (remember, the shield like covering between our head and wings). If the white markings do not form fully enclosed circles then it is C. polita; if they do form fully enclosed circles then it is C. sanguinea. Nine-spotted Ladybug Coccinella novemnotata You found me! I am the nine-spot because I have four spots on each elytron and one split in the middle to make nine. My pronotum is black with white marks on the front. Please take my picture immediately and send it in. Field Guide Help If you are not finding your ladybug in our field guide try Discover Life's searchable field guide .

We are grateful to our Institutional Partners Ladybirds, ladybugs in the garden. Ladybirds, ladybugs in the garden. 1. Orange ladybird (Halyzia sedecimguttata). 2. Pine ladybird (Exochomus quadripustulatus). 3. Cream-spot ladybird ( Calvia quatordecimguttata). 4. Seven-spot ladybird, Seven-spotted Ladybug (Coccinella septempunctata) with a larva. 5. Seven-spot ladybird, Seven-spotted Ladybug (Coccinella septempunctata) pupa. 6. Fourteen-spot ladybird, Fourteen spotted ladybug (Propylea quatuordecimpunctata). Ladybirds (Coccinellidae). North American: ladybugs. Scientist increasingly prefer: lady(bird) beetles. In the Netherlands there are sixty species. (Different from colour, size and spots) Worldwide 5000 species. The Seven-spot ladybird is the most common native ladybird. In danger they are able to reflex-bleed. From the leg joints they release an orange yellow oily toxin with a strong repellent smell.

(hemolymph or insect bleed) It is a little predator. Both the larva and the ladybird itself feed on aphids and insects larvae. There are also species, which feed on mildew and even scale insects. In wintertime ladybirds hibernate, often in large groups in sheltered places. The eggs are laid on or under the leaves. The larval period lasts about three weeks. Most people don't love many insects, but love ladybugs. This is reflected in the name. Which often has to do with religion. Germanic: Freyafugle (Bird of the goddess Freya). The German name has an association with the name Mary in Marienkï¿½fer. The English name is a Lady Bird. Lady: Mary. Bird like the Germanic "Fugle". The French name is coccinelle, but it was also named Bï¿½te ï¿½ bon Dieu, like the Dutch name "Lieveheersbeestje". Both names mean "Our Lord's animal" (information from wikipedia) You can recognizethe ladybirds from many other beetles, because they have the form of half ball. But there are also similar beetle species.

German: Marienkï¿½fer French: Coccinellidï¿½s, coccinelles, bï¿½tes ï¿½ bon Dieu Ladybird eggs Ladybird eggs are stuck in clusters under leaves. On this photo it is a bamboo leaf. I'm not sure what kind of ladybird has layed this eggs. There were many Asian ladybirds. But a Seven-spot ladybird is also possible. It was a good spot, for there were many aphids on the bamboo leaves. Subfamily Chilocorinae. Heather ladybird (Chilocorus bipustulatus). Subfamily Chilocorinae. Family Ladybirds, ladybugs (Coccinellidae). ï¿½Not in the garden, but in the dunes about 4 km from our house. It looks like the Pine ladybird, but the elytra is more brownish black. The pronotum is black, the head is reddish brown. At the center of the elytra is a short row of transverse red dots, which are usually fused together into an elongated red spot. The elytra has a broadened border. Length: 2 - 4 mm.

Flying time: Especially from March to April and from August to November They feed on scale insects. On sandy soils with heather and juniper. Europe, North America, North Africa and West Asia. Foto 19-7-2011 German: Strichfleckiger Schildlaus-Marienkï¿½fer. French: Coccinelle ï¿½ virgules Exochomus nigromaculatus. Subfamily Chilocorinae. Family Ladybirds, ladybugs (Coccinellidae). ï¿½Not in the garden, but in the dunes about 4 km from our house. The elytra is black. The pronotum is black with orange sides. Orange legs. Length: 3.2 - 4 mm. Especially from August to October. They feed on scale insects. On heathlands. Europe. Rare in the Netherlands. Photos 24-9-2016. German: Schwarzer Schildlaus-Marienkï¿½fer. Subfamily Coccinellinae. Two-spot ladybird, Two-spotted ladybug (Adalia bipunctata) Genus Adalia.

Subfamily Coccinellinae. Family Ladybirds, ladybugs (Coccinellidae). A very common, easily recognizable ladybug. Only the dots are sometimes so big, that the beetle is black with red spots. Then it is more difficult to recognize it. The legs are black Length: 3,5 - 5,5 mm. Adult and larva feed on aphids. Europe, Asia, North America. Length: 3 - 4,5 mm. April - September. Adult and larva feed on mildew. The larva are bright yellow too. Europe , North-Africa and Asia. Photos 15-10-2007, 14-7-2013. A darker 22 spot laydybird. Photo 31-10-2012. Larva 22 spot ladybird. Photo 3-7-2016.

German: Gemeiner Pilz-Marienkï¿½fer French: Coccinelle ï¿½ 22 points Harlequin ladybird, Multicoloured Asian ladybird, Asian lady beetle, Japanese ladybug (Harmonia axyridis) Genus Harmonia. Subfamily Coccinellinae. Family Ladybirds, ladybugs (Coccinellidae). Harlequin ladybird, Multicoloured Asian ladybird, Asian lady beetle, Japanese ladybug (Harmonia axyridis) isn't a native ladybird in Europe. This insect is native to northeastern Asia and has been introduced In Europe and America to control agricultural pests. But now it is spreading rapidly throughout the United States and Europe. Asian lady beetle has a black mark on the pronotum that looks like an "M". ( not always visible) Thereï¿½s a wide variation in background colour and number of spots. The elytra usually display a wide transverse "keel" at the apex. They have all kinds of colours and several numbers of dots. They have pale brown legs. Just like the other ladybirds they hibernate in clusters. Length: 5 - 8 mm.

May - November 12 May 2007 I saw the first Multicoloured Asian ladybird (Harmonia axyridis) in the garden. Now it is the most common ladybird. In 2003 the first Asian ladybirds were found in the Netherlands. In 2004 in Belgium and England. German: Asiatische Marienkï¿½fer French: Coccinelle asiatique multicolore On the forum "waarneming" this is the most used classification of the variations in colour: Harmonia axyridis f. equicolor The front half orange (possibly with some black spots) and the rear half black. Not photographed. Harmonia axyridis f. succinea orange/red with 0-19 black spots. The most of my "Asians" belong to this variation in colour. Harmonia axyridis f. spectabilis black with four spots. Each name is linked to photos on "waarneming". Harlequin ladybird, Multicoloured Asian ladybird, Asian lady beetle, Japanese ladybug (Harmonia axyridis) Genus Harmonia. Subfamily Coccinellinae.

Family Ladybirds, ladybugs (Coccinellidae). Variation in colour: Harmonia axyridis f. succinea orange/red with 0-19 black spots. The most of my "Asians" belong to this variation in colour. Harlequin ladybird, Multicoloured Asian ladybird, Asian lady beetle, Japanese ladybug (Harmonia axyridis) Genus Harmonia. Subfamily Coccinellinae. Family Ladybirds, ladybugs (Coccinellidae). Variation in colour: Harmonia axyridis f. conspicua black with two spots. Photo 20-05-2007, 4-7-2012, 7-7-2012. Harlequin ladybird, Multicoloured Asian ladybird, Asian lady beetle, Japanese ladybug (Harmonia axyridis) Genus Harmonia. Subfamily Coccinellinae. Family Ladybirds, ladybugs (Coccinellidae). Variation in colour: Harmonia axyridis f. conspicua black with two spots.

Photo 20-05-2007, 4-7-2012, 7-7-2012. The first Asian ladybird on the photo to the right has only six dots. The black mark on the pronotum don't looks like an "M". The patron is similar to the Ten-Spot Ladybird Beetle (Adalia decempunctata) Like the Asian ladybird it has a wide transverse "keel" at the apex. The Ten-Spot Ladybird Beetle is smaller (3,5 - 5 mm) The second Asian ladybird has no dots. Maybe because it is very young. Photos 16-6-2009 and 8-7-2009. Dark Multicoloured Asian ladybirds (Harmonia axyridis) These photos were taken in November 2007. Multicoloured Asian ladybirds lay eggs until late in the year. Later than the other species. The beetles, which pupate are darker then. Probably because it takes longer to emerge. (Because it gets colder, darker, moister) The last beetle was deformed.

Multicoloured Asian ladybirds (Harmonia axyridis). Larvae and pupa. Photos 2007. The larvae are black / blue-gray. Orange L-shaped spot on each side withe 4 orange spines. They are voracious predators. If there are too few aphids, they are also eat larvae of other ladybirds. The doll can be recognized by the white pines at the end of the flayed skin. In 2007 I saw the first Harmonia axyridis. I saw many. In the middle picture, I had shaken a branch of plum tree. The right picture is of a pupa on a plum. Two species I have photographed in France : 5-spot ladybird (Coccinella quinquepunctata). Subfamilie typical ladybirds (Coccinellinae). Family ladybirds / ladybugs (Coccinellidae). They feed on aphids and larvae of leaf beetles. This ladybird also lives in the Netherlands. But unfortunately not in our garden. The spots at the rear and of the elytra can be small. Then they are more difficult to recognize.

Length 3.5 - 5 mm. Variegated Lady beetle (Hippodamia variegata). Subfamilie typical ladybirds (Coccinellinae). Family ladybirds / ladybugs (Coccinellidae). The edge around the neck shield is white. Usually there is white next to the black dot in the middle of the elytra. It is also found in the Netherlands, but I haven't seen it. Native in Europe. Introduced into North America. Length 4 - 5 mm. Subfamily Scymninae. Ladybugs, which are unknown to many people. They are very tiny ladybugs of about 2 mm. In the Netherlands there are 25 known species, including 23 native species. Scymnus spec. Genus Scymnus. Subfamily Scymninae. Family ladybirds / ladybugs (Coccinellidae). Maybe a female Scymnus auritus, but to have certainty they need to be under the microscope. In 2014 I saw the first Scymnus. Before I could make a clear picture of the 2 mm large beetle, it had disappeared. Dark and hairy.

Head, legs and backside are orange red. It looks like Scymnus auritus. Photos 20-4-2014. Scymnus spec. Genus Scymnus. Subfamily Scymninae. Family ladybirds / ladybugs (Coccinellidae). Maybe a male Scymnus auritus, but to have certainty they need to be under the microscope, for it is also similar for example to a Scymnus rubromaculatus. Two days later I saw another Scymnus. This ladybug flew away before I could take more pictures. Dark and hairy. Cup, legs, antennae and back are orange. Maybe it's a male Scymnus auritus. In the male, the pronotum is orange red with black in the middle. The pronotum of the female is the completely black. Food: mites. Photos 22-4-2014. Scymnus spec. Genus Scymnus. Subfamily Scymninae. Family ladybirds / ladybugs (Coccinellidae).

It looks like Scymnus schmidti, Not in the garden, but in the dunes about 4 km from our house. This Scymnus was slightly larger. Scymnus schmidti has a red spot on the black, hairy elytron. But the black form of Scymnus frontalis and Scymnus mimulus has also these spots. Unfortunately, antennae and legs are not visible. Length 2,5 - 3 mm Photos 25-6-2014. Black species from the subfamily Scymninae, which can not be determined from a picture at all. They can belong to the following genera: Scymnus, Nephus and (for black species) also Stethorus. These genera and species are usually to determine only after microscopic examination. (Jan Cuppen thanks for the explanation). I can send them for examination, but I know again no name, when I find the next small black ladybird. So I let them go. Subfamily Scymninae: Scymnus, Nephus or Stethorus. Family ladybirds / ladybugs (Coccinellidae).

Photos 30-6-2015. Harlequin Ladybird Survey - Recognition and Distinction HOME • What is a ladybird? • Recognising the Harlequin ladybird • Fact File • Research • Recording sightings • For young people • Acknowledgements • Contacts • Useful links The harlequin ladybird (Harmonia axyridis) is also known as the Multicoloured Asian Ladybird and the Halloween Ladybird. It has a very variable appearance, which can make it difficult to tell apart from our native ladybirds! The descriptions below should help you, and there are lots of ladybird images for you to see at the bottom of the page. Download the ladybird identification sheet to help you distinguish the harlequin ladybird from other native British ladybirds.

Basic description of a harlequin ladybird: • Size and shape : large (7-8 mm or about 1/4 inch), round • Elytra (wing case) ground colour: pale yellow-orange, orange-red, red or black; highly variable • Elytra pattern: 0-21 orange-red or black spots, or grid pattern; highly variable • Most common forms in UK : orange with 15-21 black spots: black with two or four orange or red spots • Pronotum pattern: white or cream with up to 5 spots or fused lateral spots forming 2 curved lines, M-shaped mark or solid trapezoid • Other characteristics: elytra with wide keel at base; legs almost always brown Distinguishing the harlequin ladybird from other British species: • If its less than 5 mm (1/5 inch) in length, it is definitely not a harlequin ladybird. • If its red with precisely 7 black spots, it is a 7-spot ladybird. • If it has white or cream spots, it is a striped ladybird, an orange ladybird or a cream-spot ladybird.

• If it is large, burgundy coloured and has 15 black spots, it is an eyed ladybird • If it has an orange pronotum, and fine hairs all over the elytra , it is a bryony ladybird. • If it is black with four or six red spots, two of which are right at the front of the outside margin of the elytra, it is a melanic form of the 2-spot ladybird. Harlequin ladybird (H. axyridis) - some of the colour variants Ladybugs Ladybugs Identifying the 4 Most Common Ladybugs I. How to tell Ladybeetles from Other Insects Ladybugs are insects that are in the Order Coleoptera (meaning sheath-wing), commonly called beetles. Ladybeetles can vary in color from solid black with 2 red spots to solid orange or red, or they can have variable black spot patterns, sometimes with yellow or red spots. Ladybugs are in the beetle family that entomologists call Coccinellidae.

Coccinellid beetles all have the following family characters: the shape of ladybeetles is very distinctive; they have an elongated to oval or hemispherical body; the antennae are eleven-segmented, and they are inserted at the inner margin of the eyes below the front; the antennae have a 3-segmented club on the end; ladybugs can also retract their heads like a turtle into the prothorax; and they have a convex elytra (hard shell wings that cover the inner pair of wings). Almost all beetles in this family are good; however there are 2 pest beetles in this family, the Mexican Bean beetle (Epilachna varivestis Mulsant) and the Squash beetle. They are usually pale yellow and somewhat hairy with 16 or so spots, so watch out! II. Common Identification Characters of the 4 Most Common Ladybugs If you have one of these ladybugs, identification can be fairly simple. 1. First, what is the body type of your lady beetle? The two main body types are oval and round (hemispherical). A.

Round Ladybugs  2 Types Ladybugs can retract their head into their body like a turtle (A). Normally their head is out as in B. Also, another identifying character is that the antennae of ladybugs are attached below the front part of the eyes. A. Round Ladybugs  2 Types C7 Coccinella septempunctata L. - C7 - The seven-spotted ladybeetle. Here's C7 crawling across a field in spring. C7 ladybeetle eggs on celery. C7 larva getting ready to pupate; also called a pre-pupa. C7 pupa on a leaf; don't squish these! C7 (Coccinella septempunctata L.) or the Seven-Spotted Ladybeetle.–We start with the earliest appearing ladybug in the vegetable fields – the C7 ladybug. These ladybugs overwinter in the bark of trees and similar habitats. I am always impressed to see them in relatively barren fields, honing in on the vegetable plants there.

Identification: The C7 Ladybug has seven spots on the elytra (hard shelled wings on the back of the beetle); three spots on either side and one joined at the center top near the thorax and head region. Overwinters: C7s overwinter in the bark trees and under leaf litter in some areas. Food plants: C7 ladybugs love any type of mustard plant as well as other early blooming nectar and pollen sources, like buckwheat, cilantro, legumes like vetches and red or crimson clover. Also, early aphid sources, like bronze fennel. The C7 ladybug characteristics: large beetle (>1/4), 2 white spots on the thorax on either side of the head (see arrows); has 7 spots on the elytra in a 1-4-2 pattern. HARMONIA Harmonia eggs on bronze fennel. Harmonia larva - note the flaps or projection that stick off the back of the larva. Harmonia pupating - do not squash. Harmonia adult on patrol in potatoes.

The Multicolored Asian Ladybeetle, Harmonia axyridis, congregate in the fall to overwinter. Larvae can be distinguished from other species by the presence of small pads or flaps that project off the back of the larva. Overwinters: After the first hard frost or two, the adults begin to think about getting together to overwinter. In their native lands of China and Japan, the original places they overwintered were on rock outcroppings in the mountains. If your home is light colored and on the side of a mountain, or similar setup, it probably looks just like a big rock outcropping to a ladybug, and this might explain why one October day, the side of your house is covered in ladybugs!! If your neighbor complains about having ladybugs, then collect them for yourself! There are several ways to collect Harmonia. Probably the easiest method is to use a vacuum cleaner (with a new bag), or a long tube sock that you can take out and replace, or a dust buster, and vacuum them up when they start to congregate outside. There are several other methods to collect ladybugs.

The Chinese consider it good luck to have these in your house, but if there are too many in your house, see if a nearby gardener or farmer would like to get them for their garden. Identification: The multicolored Asian ladybeetle has the following identifying characteristics: it is a large (>1/4) ladybug, it has a round domed shape; it has a white pronotum with 5 linked black spots that usually form an M which points towards the head of beetle; it also has 2 indentations at the back of the elytra (see arrows). Its coloration patterns can range from solid orange (pictured here) to having over 20 spots, and even black with 2 spots! Thats a lot of color patterns! Food Plants: in early spring, Harmonia seek out any plants with aphids - from spirea to cabbage to fennel. Harmonia love any type of mustard plant as well as other early blooming nectar and pollen sources, like buckwheat, cilantro, legumes like vetches and red or crimson clover. Also, early aphid sources, like bronze fennel. B.

Oval Ladybugs  2 Types HIPPODAMIA Hippodamia convergens - The Convergent Ladybeetle Convergent ladybeetle feeding in buckwheat. Pupae and newly emerged adult of the Convergent Ladybeetle Convergent ladybeetle larva on nasturtium. 1 Gallon - 72,000 ladybeetles released in broccoli. Hippodamia convergens, the “Classic California” Convergent ladybug, has been shipped nationally for over 100 years, and therefore is naturalized throughout most of the US. It was originally native to California and the other pacific coastal states. These are the best overall ladybugs to release against soft-bodied vegetable pests. The adults are oblong, orange with variable spots. Larvae and adults actively eat aphids, mites, eggs (pest butterfly/moths eggs, Colorado Potato Beetle eggs, etc.) of almost any kind, small caterpillars that they come across (including others of their own kind if they are hungry). The Convergent Ladybeetle, Hippodamia convergens Guerin-Meneville.

This orange oval ladybeetle is usually less that 1/4 inch long, with up to 13 spots on the elytra, but has variable spot patterns. The thorax is black with 2 converging white lines inside and a white margin. Food Plants: Wild carrot family (dill, fennel, cilantro, etc.), yarrow & lambsquarters. C-MAC Coleomegilla maculata C-Mac, the Pink & Black Ladybug. Identification: The Pink Spotted Ladybug, Coleomegilla maculata, or also called C-Mac. Distinguishing characters are: less that 1/4 long, oval shape, 6 spots on each forewing of the elytra; and a pink colored elytra with black spots. C-Mac, Coccinella maculata, are distinctive oblong beetles that are pink and black spotted. Hippodamia ladybugs have a similar body shape but no pink on them. This sets them apart from other ladybugs, although the Hippodamia ladybugs have a similar body shape but no pink on them. C-Macs are the “Porsches” of Ladybugs.

They are fast, very active, and are great feeders on eggs of other insects. Therefore, they disperse further and faster than other ladybugs, and they usually cover more territory in a day than other ladybugs. C-Macs have been found to be especially effective against Colorado Potato Beetles, consuming their eggs and small larva. The favored food plants that I find them on are Queen Anne’s Lace and other plants in the wild carrot family. Keep these plants around to keep the ladybugs in your field, garden or yard. Food Plants: The favored food plants that we find them on are cilantro, parsnips, Queen Annes lace and other plants in the wild carrot family. Keep these plants around to keep the ladybugs in your field, garden or yard. Ladybug Handling and Release: The best weather to release ladybugs is cloudy, cool, rainy weather - it makes them seek shelter rather than flying. Put them out nearly colonies of aphids or other food. The best time to release ladybugs is just before dark, in the cool of the evening, or even at night. They won’t normally fly at night, and need a “settling down” period after being handled.

Spray the release area beforehand with water or (I prefer) a 10% sugar solution so they have something to drink. Maintain a high moisture level thereafter. Gently shake ladybugs from the container, spreading them around so that they can find food immediately. Release them on or at the base of infested plants. Piles of vegetation, stacks of boards or similar materials near dense vegetation are attractive to them as shelter on hot days. In greenhouses, screen vents or periodically apply chalk around vents and doors so that ladybugs can’t escape (they can’t cling to vertical chalked surfaces). In greenhouses, temperatures between 70° and 85° F are needed for reproduction. Temperatures above 100° F can be tolerated for short periods. Ants will “guard” aphids and other soft-bodied honeydew producing insects (like leafhoppers and scales) and protect them from predators like ladybugs. If ants are a problem, you might have to use a sticky product like “Tanglefoot” to make a barrier to prevent the ants from getting to the aphids.

In order to get your ladybugs to stay as year round greenhouse guests, you should plant Umbellifera as a nectar and mating site for adults. Keep ladybugs as one of your main pillars of pest defenses in the your farm and garden. Good luck!

Question: What colour are the spots on a common ladybird?
Answer: Black