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LOVELY LADYBIRDS

seven smaller ladybirds in a circle

These are a set of seven smaller wearable-on-the-head models which were made to show the diversity within one family of insect.

There are over 40 species of ladybird native to the UK but so far I have stopped at seven.

Common ladybirds

2 spot ladybird Photo copyright Roger Key

7 spot –Cochinella septempunctata 

Our most common ladybird eats approx 5,000 aphids in its one year of life                                          
2 spot –Adalia bipunctata (sometimes black with red spots)

Also very common, likes to hibernate in large groups, sometimes around window frames

14 spot-Propylea quattuordecimpunctata (yellow with spots often joined together)

Likes blackthorn, willow and nettles, has brown legs


Not quite so common

22 spot ladybird Photo copyright Roger Key

22 spot- Psyllobora 22 punctata (yellow)

Actually has 27 spots, feeds on mildew

Orange- Halyzia 16-guttata (orange with white spots)

Also feeds on mildew, often flies at night

Larch - Aphidecta obliterata (brown)

Doesn't look a lot like a ladybird-NO SPOTS!

Pine- Exochomus quadripustulatus (black with red spots)

When the ladybirds  venture out  a “master interview” is provided which  involves  each of the seven ladybirds being interviewed in turn.

For more information about ladybirds (or any other insects) and a wealth of excellent downloadable resources about how to attract beneficial insects, how to provide them a safe haven and loads more, visit www.buglife.org.ukBuglife is the leading Invertebrate Conservation Trust. 

ladybirds in the grass

Dolau primary school with ladybirds

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