The UK Ladybird Survey has found 26 species that are readily recognisable as ladybirds. Here are some of the common ones, the colourful ones – and alien invaders
Beatrice Sayers
Mon 22 Jul 2013 02.00 EDT First published on Mon 22 Jul 2013 02.00 EDT
The two-spot ladybird (Adalia bipunctata) has up to 16 black or red spots, which can be very variable – in splodges or in a grid pattern. It is the ladybird which most commonly overwinters in buildings
The pine ladybird (Exochomus qadripustulatus) is round in shape with a pronounced rim around the margin of the wing cases. It is black with between two and four red spots; the spots at the outer front margin of the wing cases are comma-shaped. Inhabits needled conifers, sallows and willows, and overwinters in leaf litter, foliage and bark crevices of evergreen trees and shrubs
The 14-spot ladybird (Propylea quatuordecimpunctata) is yellow or black with between four and 14 black or yellow spots, which are almost rectangular. Overwinters in various locations, usually low down
The orange ladybird (Halyzia sedecimguttata) has 12-16 white spots. It overwinters in leaf litter or sheltered positions on trees and eats mildews. Considered until 1987 an indicator of ancient woodland, it has become widespread since it became common on sycamores; it has recently moved on to ash trees. It is attracted to light and is often found in moth-traps
Ten-spot ladybirds (Adalia decempunctata) are extremely variable in colour and pattern. They can be cream, yellow, orange, red, brown, purple or black, with up to 15 spots. They live in deciduous trees and hedgerows and overwinter in leaf litter and beech nuts
The larch ladybird (Aphidecta obliterata) is tan in colour and can have up to 10 spots. It lives in needled conifers and overwinters in bark crevices. Probably relies on camouflage for defence against birds but can also reflex bleed
The harlequin ladybird (Harmonia axyridis) is an alien species, which is expected to spread rapidly as it outcompetes other species and is a major threat to them and some other insect groups. It has a yellow-orange, orange-red, red or black body with up to 21 orange-red or black spots, and white or cream spots, lines or solid marking on its pronotum (front plate)Photograph: Alamy Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
Harlequin ladybird (Harmonia axyridis), succinea form (orange with black spots). Measures 5-8mm. Host plant: various, particularly lime and sycamore. Overwinters in houses and on rocky surfaces
A cream-spot ladybird feeding on blackfly. This species has a maroon-brown body with 14 cream spots; six of which form a line across the wing cases. Host plant: various deciduous trees and shrubs. Overwinters in plant litter, bark crevices and beech nuts
An eyed ladybird (Anatis ocellata) on blossom. At 7mm-8.5mm, this is Britain's largest ladybird and has a russet or burgundy body and up to 23 black spots, which sometimes have cream rings around them. Host plant: needled conifers, particularly pines. Will disperse from conifers in late summer when feeding up for winter. Overwinters in soil or leaf litter
A 7-spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata) on a Queen Anne's lace flower head. Probably the ladybird most frequently noticed in Britain, it is red with up to nine black spots and measures 5mm-8mm. Habitat: varied, but often low herbage. Overwinters in low herbage and in conifer foliage
A striped ladybird (Myzia oblongoguttata) on a flower of spring European larch (Larix decidua). Chestnut with cream stripes and up to 15 spots, it is most commonly found in mature Scots pine woodland. Preferred prey are the large brown aphids of the genus CinaraPhotograph: FLPA/Alamy Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
16-spot ladybirds (Tytthaspis sedecimpunctata) on a fence post. These beige insects, with 13-18 black spots, measure only 3mm and are often overlooked. Found in grassland and meadows, they overwinter in low herbage, gorse, plant litter, on fence posts and stone walls, often in large aggregations. They feed on pollen, nectar and fungi
The water ladybird (Anisosticta 19-punctata) is usually from late summer, turning reddish in April-June. Distinctly elongate and flattened in shape, it has 15-21 black spots and inhabits reed-beds and wetlands, overwintering between leaves and in stems of reeds and grass tussocks
A 22-spot Ladybird (Psyllobora vigintiduopunctata) on a curled stalk with a waterdrop. This species measures 3mm-4mm and is yellow or black with 20-22 black spots. The pronotum has five discrete black spots. Host plant: various, particularly hogweed. Overwinters in low herbage; feeds on mildews
