Beetles are one of the most diverse groups of animals on the planet, boasting remarkable forms and stunning colours. In the UK alone, there are over 4000 different species ranging from longhorn beetles, to ground beetles, stag beetles and ladybirds.
Ladybirds, a familiar sight throughout summer, represent just a fraction of this diversity. But did you know there are several species of ladybird in the UK?
Ladybird diversity
Coccinellidae are a family of beetles commonly known as ladybirds, encompassing 47 species in the UK. Of these, 26 species exhibit the typical ladybird appearance in their adult stage, showcasing vibrant colours and distinctive spots – not just in red and black! Some species are bright yellow, sunshine orange, or white with black spots.
The remaining species are often referred to as ‘inconspicuous ladybirds’ or ‘micro ladybirds’ due to their small size. They are less obvious at a quick glance, but once you know where to look, you should be able to find a good few species close to home. Our newest guide covers the ecology and identification of micro ladybirds of Britain and Ireland.
Ladybird larvae
All ladybirds go through four stages of development and complete metamorphosis (like butterflies do), starting life as a small oval egg, before hatching into larvae, and pupating to form the iconic adult beetle.
However, ladybird larvae look very different to the adult beetles! They are long-bodied, covered in bumps and markings of different colours. They have three pairs of legs towards their head and can be seen crawling amongst vegetation in search of food – particularly at this time of year.
Early in their life, they spend most of their time feeding and rapidly growing. Many ladybirds feed on aphids, but some prefer scale insects, fungi, mildew and plants. To a gardener’s delight, ladybirds that prey on aphids are great natural pest controllers – some can consume in excess of 60 aphids a day!
Garden visitors
Familiarise yourself with some of the most common ladybird species that feed heavily on aphids and are commonly found in gardens and allotments.
Seven-spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata). The adult beetle is 5-8mm in size, red in colour with 7 black spots.
Two-spot Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata). The adult beetle is 4-5mm in size, typically red in colour with two black spots – although it is common to see several variations of this.
14-spot Ladybird (Propylea quattuordecimpunctata). The adult beetle is 3.5mm – 4.5mm in size, yellow in colour with 14 black spots – these spots can be rectangular in shape and fused together, creating a symmetrical pattern.
Don’t feel discouraged if you don’t spot adult beetles in June and July; chances are, the larvae of the next generation are eagerly feeding on aphids.
Frequently asked questions
- Are harlequin ladybirds harmful, and should I eliminate them from the garden?
- Harlequin Ladybirds are a non-native species which have become established in the UK, and they look like they’re here to stay. There is no need to eliminate them from the garden – they can vary in appearance and could be confused for some of our native species, plus, they also help control aphid numbers. While they could try to bite if provoked, their small size ensures minimal harm, causing nothing more than little irritation.
- How can I encourage ladybirds into the garden?
- Ladybirds hibernate over winter as adults, so if you provide sheltered spaces, they will take refuge in your garden, ensuring a thriving population in spring. Creating ‘bug hotels’ out of deadwood, pinecones, leaves and twigs will entice them in, and dense evergreen trees and shrubs are useful shelters, especially if they have not been cut back too hard.
Learn more
Our WildID guides will help you to identify the most commonly seen ladybirds and larvae. These guides are compact in size, splashproof and contain beautiful illustrations of the species.
We also have a new AIDGAP* guide that covers the identification of the micro ladybirds – the tiny species that are less often noticed. You can get this guide for just £12 until the 30th June 2025.
*Our AIDGAP series is a collection of identification guides that are ‘Aids to Identification in Difficult Groups of Animals and Plants’, designed as accessible keys suitable for non-specialists.
Plus, we provide an online training course that delves into beetle biology, ecology and behaviour – find out more and book your place.
