Halyzia sedecimguttata, Orange 16-spot Ladybird

Common Name: Orange 16-spot Ladybird

Halyzia sedecimguttata, more commonly known as the Orange 16-spot Ladybird, measures approximately 5-6mm in length, It is bright yellow or orange in colour, with a translucent border to the wing casings and pronotum (the bit between the head and wing casings). It usually has 16 creamy-white coloured spots, but there can be as few as 14. Head and legs are orange, and the eyes are black.

The Orange 16-Spot is mycetophagous (fungus eating) and lives on the mildews of various broad-leaved trees, such as Sycamore. Formerly uncommon, it has established itself over the latter part of the 20th century and is now much more readily encountered.

It is an unusual ladybird, as it may overwinter as a pupae, unlike most of the other species in the UK. It can be confused with no other species except possibly immature Cream-spot ladybirds.

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