Adonis' Ladybird - Hippodamia variegata

Alternative names
Adonia variegata
Description

A small ladybird, measuring only 4 to 5 mm. It has red elytra with between 3 and 15 black spots, which are sometimes fused together and tend to be concentrated to the rear. The white pronotum is mostly covered with a black pattern and the legs are mainly black, but are brown near the ends. It is smaller and has a slightly more elongated, oval shaped body than the common Seven Spot Ladybird.

Similar Species

It could be confused with the 7 Spot Ladybird but the Adonis is smaller and more elongate.

Identification difficulty
Recording advice

Unless identified by a recognised expert, good photos are required that show the key ID features. Also state the size in the comments box.

Habitat

it is usually most frequent on ruderal, weedy plants on sandy, open soils but is sometimes found in leaf litter or on rather derelict or industrial sites. 

When to see it

Best looked for in summer, but can be seen for most of the year in warm spells.

Life History

Feeds on aphids.

UK Status

Fairly widespread but local in Britain, it seems to be increasing in numbers in recent years and can be fairly frequent in suitable small areas.

VC55 Status

Occasional in Leicestershire & Rutland.

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2020+ | 2015-2019 | pre-2015

UK Map

Species profile

Common names
Adonis' Ladybird
Species group:
Beetles
Kingdom:
Animalia
Order:
Coleoptera
Family:
Coccinellidae
Records on NatureSpot:
36
First record:
04/03/2011 (Calow, Graham)
Last record:
04/10/2024 (Cann, Alan)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

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