10-spot Ladybird

Adalia decempunctata

Description

Over all length 3.5 - 4.5mm. An extremely variable species that can appear red with black spots, orange with black spots, black with orange spots, black with two red spots, brown with cream spots or a variety of other combinations. The pronotum is often white with five black spots, four in a curved row and one above them. The legs are orange/brown.

Habitat

This is mainly a woodland species and adults and larvae feed on aphids and psyllids.

Status and distribution

Common and widespread through most of Britain but less so to the north. Widespread in Nottinghamshire but uncommon at Netherfield Lagoons.

Best time to see

March to October.