7-Spot Ladybird

Coccinella septempunctata

Date First Recorded in the Garden: 12/03/2022

Family: Coccinellidae: The Ladybirds

Known as Ladybugs in the US, are a familiar family of beetles called Coccinellidae with around 6,000 species known worldwide. According to the Field Guide to the Ladybirds (ref 1), there are 47 species resident in the UK. Most are carnivorous, feeding mainly on aphids.

7-Spot Ladybird – Coccinella septempunctata

Probably what we all think of when we think Ladybird, a bright red beetle with several black spots on each side. Another aphid feeder as so many of the Ladybirds are. Very widespread across the country but sadly apparently declining in distribution.

In the Garden

We don’t actually record these guys very often, perhaps we take them a little for granted whilst we are still focusing on identifying new garden species.