Ladybirds Coccinellidae

Ladybirds are small dome shaped beetles. Their heads and legs are positioned so they are almost invisible under the protective dome of wing cases and pronotum (the hard shell over the thorax). They are brightly coloured and taste nasty. Their colours and patterns are very variable in quite a few species. Both adults and larvae are usually carnivorous, well known for consuming aphids. Many species hibernate as adults and will use insect hotels if you provide them.

 7-spot Ladybird Coccinella 7-punctata -- the most abundant and widespread species, active from March to October.

A 7-spot Ladybird (above) and a Harlequin Ladybird Harmonia axyridis (below) on a pear.