COLEOPTERA > POLYPHAGA > COCCINELLOIDEA > Coccinellidae

This page is for the "yellow, black spotted" ladybirds, which I wanted to keep together even though there are only three species, but also utilising the space to list all the species that could possibly be found in my area.

The small, 3-4mm, bright lemon-yellow 22-spot Ladybird [Psyllobora vigintiduopunctata] is a grassland species that's unlikely to be confused. Its markings are separated and consistent, unlike the similar size 16-spot Ladybird [Tytthaspis sedecimpunctata], which is variable both in terms of colour and the arrangement of the spots. They are usually cream or beige, but can become  pale grey later in the year. The elytra have a central black line, and spaced spots apart from the three lower ones on each side that are usually fused, and, if you count all the spots, you may find that some individuals have 18 rather 16. The species is known for forming large aggregations on tree trunks during the winter months as can be seen in the photo below.

The 14-spot Ladybird [Propylea quattuordecimpunctata] is another bright yellow species, much the same size as the other two. Each side of the elytra has seven black markings, which are usually fused to some degree thereby giving it more of a chequered, rather than spotted, appearance. It can be found in a variety of habitats.

Although the 22-spot is highly ranked nationwide, it's a little way down the list locally in both Dorset (VC9) and South Hampshire (VC11). The 14-spot and 16-spot on the other hand are frequently recorded.

Having taken a close look at the available distribution records, I've come up with a list of every species that could possibly be found in my area. Some have only been officially recorded a handful of times or may not have been seen for a number of years, but given the information to hand I'd rank them as follows  - not really in any defined order, other than trying to group them in terms of likelihood of being encountered, as that gives me a target list that I can work through.

To date, I've managed to tick off fifteen species as highlighted, which coincidently are in order so hopefully the Striped Ladybird and/or Pointed-keeled Rhyzobius can be added at some point. The remaining species in the final two groups will become progressively more difficult and, if I am successful with any of those, it will probably be from a chance encounter as they are so rarely recorded. The other point to note is that the seven species in the last group are tiny and are normally collected and recorded from beating trees or shrubs rather than from being seen and photographed in situ.

            Harlequin Ladybird [Harmonia axyridis]

            7-spot Ladybird [Coccinella septempunctata]

            14-spot Ladybird [Propylea quattuordecimpunctata]

            16-spot Ladybird [Tytthaspis sedecimpunctata]

            2-spot Ladybird [Adalia bipunctata]

            10-spot Ladybird [Adalia decempunctata]

            22-spot Ladybird [Psyllobora vigintiduopunctata]

            24-spot Ladybird [Subcoccinella vigintiquattuorpunctata]

            Orange Ladybird [Halyzia sedecimguttata]

            11-spot Ladybird [Coccinella undecimpunctata]

            Pine Ladybird [Exochomus quadripustulatus]

            Kidney-spot Ladybird [Chilocorus renipustulatus]

            Cream-spot Ladybird [Calvia quattuordecimguttata]

            Water Ladybird [Anisosticta novemdecimpunctata]

            Larch Ladybird [Aphidecta obliterata]

            Striped Ladybird [Myzia oblongoguttata]

            Pointed-keeled Rhyzobius [Rhyzobius litura]

            Scarce 7-spot Ladybird [Coccinella magnifica]

            18-spot Ladybird [Myrrha octodecimguttata]

            Cream-streaked Ladybird [Harmonia quadripunctata]

            Eyed Ladybird [Anatis ocellata]

            Adonis Ladybird [Hippodamia variegata]

            Heather Ladybird [Chilocorus bipustulatus]

            Ant-nest Ladybird [Platynaspis luteorubra]

            Hieroglyphic Ladybird [Coccinella hieroglyphica]

            Red Marsh Ladybird [Coccidula rufa]

            Spotted Marsh Ladybird [Coccidula scutellata]

            False-spotted Ladybird [Hyperaspis pseudopustulata]

            Angle-spotted Scymus [Scymnus frontalis]

            Pine Scymus [Scymus suturalis]

            Oak Scymus [Scymnus auritus]

            Red-rumped Scymus [Scymus haemorrhoidalis]

            Schmidt's Scymnus [Scymnus schmidti]

            Red-patched Nephus [Nephus redtenbacheri]

Updated and species list added, Feb.25 (v.4)