Use our spotter's guide to help you identify these bright and distinctive insects.
Of the 4,000 or so species of beetle in the British Isles, none has entered the national consciousness as much as ladybirds.
Active by day, with bright colours and patterns, they are conspicuous insects. From April, the species illustrated here are all emerging from hibernation.
We’re keen to celebrate the aphid-chomping proclivities of many species – in particular the common 7-spot ladybird – but not all members of the family Coccinellidae prey on aphids.
The tiny 22-spot ladybird and dazzling orange ladybird graze mildew from leaves.
Some species occur virtually anywhere, whereas others are more choosy; eyed and larch ladybirds are conifer-dwellers, for example. But, paradoxically, pine ladybirds are not confined to pines and turn up in many places, including gardens.
Only one ladybird blots its copybook. The harlequin, a showy alien invader that has been much in the news recently, not only devours aphids but also other ladybird larvae. As a result, smaller species, such as the 2-spot, could be in trouble
KEY
Red dot = Common and widespread
Blue dot = Scarce: searching needed
Source: discoverwildlife
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