Adalia decempunctata, 10-Spot Ladybird

Common Name: 10-Spot Ladybird

Adalia decempunctata, more commonly known as the 10-spot ladybird, is a small and variable ladybird - which confusingly doesn't always have 10 spots. Newly hatched specimens take a while to develop the orange background colour and appear more like a pale brown.

The legs are orange on this species which is a helpful guide to identification. Though variable, the various colour forms are all identifiable - the specimen in my photograph is the A.octopunctata variant. Found in woodland, and gardens with trees, active from March to October.

Both adults and larvae feed on aphids and are useful in keeping these down. They often hibernate in huge aggregations in sheds or under loose tree bark. Very common throughout Britain though less so in the far north.

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