34 of the 47 UK resident ladybird species have been recorded on NatureSpot so far. The 12 most commonly recorded are shown below. Most ladybirds are colourful and can be identified from their colours and patterns. A few also have variant colour forms which could confuse so we have illustrated some of these below. Note that when most ladybirds first hatch from the pupal stage they start off red-orange and lack spots. The usual pattern slowly appears over 24 hours or so.
To see all the ladybird species recorded on NatureSpot, visit our ladybird gallery.
Click on any header below to view the NatureSpot species page.
7 Spot Ladybird
One of our larger ladybirds (up to 8mm), sometimes seen in huge numbers.
How to ID: Red with 7 black spots.
Where to see it: Everywhere! Feeds on aphids.
Similar species: Adonis Ladybird is also red with 7 black spots but is smaller and thinner.
Harlequin Ladybird
An asian species that has now colonised the world! It arrived in Leicestershire around 1990 and is now very common. It is a large species (up to 8mm) with many different colour variants (some shown below). However all have two large white spots just behind the head. It can be found in most habitats but is especially common in trees and shrubs.
14 Spot ladybird
Our commonest yellow and black ladybird. Medium-sized, around 4mm.
How to ID: The yellow and black 'chequer-board' pattern is unique.
Where to see it: In low vegetation, amongst grasses and wildflowers.
Similar species: The 16 Spot Ladybird is smaller with only the basal spots fused.
22 Spot Ladybird
A small ladybird but with the brightest yellow base colour. Unlike many ladybirds, this species is vegetarian, feeding on mildews.
How to ID: Yellow, always with 22 spots.
Where to see it: On flowers and sometimes in trees and shrubs.
Similar species: The 16 Spot Ladybird is straw-coloured and not bright yellow.
2 Spot Ladybird
This medium-sized (4-5mm) ladybird was one of the commonest species but populations have reduced due to predation by the invasive Harlequin Ladybird. Though usually red with just 2 black spots, a number of variants occur - some shown in the images below, but all have black legs. It feeds on aphids and is often found in gardens.
Pine Ladybird
A small (3-4mm), mainly black, ladybird that likes to feed on insects covered in waxy deposits! Like most other ladybirds, it over-winters in large groups.
How to ID: Black with 2 pairs of red spots - the front pair being comma-shaped. It lacks any white markings and has a rim around the edge of the wing cases.
Where to see it: Trees but not just Pine!
Similar species: The Kidney-spot Ladybird lacks the comma-shaped spots and has a wider rim.
10 Spot Ladybird
Medium-sized (around 4mm), this is the most variable of all UK ladybirds in terms of colour and pattern, but all have pale brown legs (2 Spot variants all have black legs). It feeds on aphids and can be found in trees such as Oak, Lime, Sycamore, Hawthorn and Birch. The typical form is orange with 10-12 black spots. Some of the variants are shown below.
Cream Spot Ladybird
Medium-sized (4-5mm), this smart ladybird is often found in woodlands where it feeds mainly on aphids in trees.
How to ID: Maroon-brown with 14 cream spots.
Where to see it: In deciduous trees and shrubs, particularly Ash and Lime.
Similar species: The 18 Spot Ladybird (rare in Leicestershire) is a similar colour but has some spots that are usually fused).
Orange Ladybird
Medium-large (5-6mm), this is an unmistakeable ladybird. It feeds on mildews, mainly on trees. It overwinters in large groups, often in Ivy.
How to ID: All orange with 12-16 white spots.
Where to see it: Trees mainly, particularly Sycamore and Ash.
Similar species: None.
16 Spot Ladybird
This small (3mm) ladybird is very common but easily over-looked due to its size and preference for low vegetation. It feeds on pollen, nectar and fungi.
How to ID: Straw-coloured with black spots.
Where to see it: Grassland.
Similar speciesThe 14 Spot Ladybird is larger, yellow and with spots merged into black bars.
Kidney-spot Ladybird
A medium-sized ladybird (4-5mm), most commonly seen on tree trunks. It feeds on scale insects.
How to ID: Black with 2 red spots and a broad rim around the base of the wing cases.
Where to see it: Trunks of Ash and Willow trees.
Similar species: The Pine Ladybird has 4 red spots, with the front 2 being comma-shaped.
24 Spot Ladybird
This small (3-4mm) ladybird is easily missed as it is found in low vegetation. It feeds on various plants - a true vegetarian!
How to ID: Dull red with black spots, often merging together. Fine hairs cover the wing cases.
Where to see it: Rough grassland, especially on False Oat-grass and Red Campion.
Similar species: None.
