Ladybirds are a familiar sight in gardens and parks around the world.  There are more than 40 species in Britain, and a healthy garden can support several species of ladybird at any given time.

These brightly coloured, oval or round, sometimes hemispherical beetles are immediately recognizable.  They range in size from 1 to 10mm.  Ladybirds play a crucial role in maintaining an ecological balance in our gardens and green spaces.

Understanding Ladybirds

Ladybirds are invertebrates belonging to the family Coccinellidae, ladybirds are a type of beetle known for their distinctive markings.  While the most common colour is red with black spots, there are other variations, including yellow, orange, and even black with white or red spots.  This vibrant colouration serves as a warning to predators, signalling that they are distasteful or even poisonous.

Ladybirds are primarily carnivorous, feeding on small insects like aphids and scale insects.  Their voracious appetite for these pests makes them valuable allies to gardeners and farmers.  A single ladybird can consume thousands of aphids during its lifetime.

10 spotted ladybird

Ladybird Habitats

Ladybirds can be found in a variety of habitats.  They like coniferous and deciduous woodland, heather, gardens, and parks; wherever their prey is.  They are particularly attracted to areas with abundant vegetation, as this provides food and shelter.  During the winter, many species hibernate in sheltered locations, such as under tree bark, in attics, or even inside houses.

The Life Cycle of a Ladybird

The Life cycle of a ladybird typically consists of four stages:

1. Egg: Ladybirds lay their eggs in clusters on the undersides of leaves, often near colonies of aphids.
2. Larva: The larvae hatch from the eggs and are often covered in spines or hairs.  They are voracious feeders and consume large numbers of aphids.
3. Pupa: After a period of growth, the larvae pupate, forming a chrysalis.
4. Adult: The adult ladybird emerges from the chrysalis and is ready to mate and lay eggs.

The Benefits of Ladybirds

Ladybirds are beneficial insects for several reasons:

• Pest control: Their ability to consume large numbers of aphids helps to keep pest populations under control.
• Pollination: While not as efficient as bees, ladybirds can contribute to pollination as they move from flower to flower.
• Biodiversity: By providing a food source for other animals, such as birds and small mammals, ladybirds help to maintain biodiversity.

How to Attract Ladybirds to Your Garden

If you want to encourage ladybirds to visit your garden, here are a few tips:

• Plant flowers: Ladybirds are attracted to nectar rich plants. 
• Avoid pesticides: Pesticides can harm ladybirds and other beneficial insects.
• Provide shelter: Ladybirds appreciate sheltered areas, such as under rocks or logs.

Keep It Native

I often have people telling me to kill the Harlequin ladybird because it's not native.  However, although the Harlequin ladybird (Harmonia axyridis) became established in Britain around 2004, it is now one of the most commonly seen ladybirds. 

The Harlequin reaches a length of 8-10mm.  Two common forms are black with two red spots or orange with 18 black spots.  Larvae reach up to 10mm in length and have two orange stripes and are spiky.

Like other ladybirds this species feeds on aphids and other insects, occasionally becoming cannibalistic.  There is some evidence this has caused a decline in native ladybirds due to competition for food.  However it is NOT necessary to attempt to control this species, as it is easily confused with native species (the average person could do more harm than good by terminating them) and is largely a predator of aphids.

Seven spot ladybird, Coccinella 7-punctata. Adults are 5-8mm in length and almost always red with seven black spots.  The larva is grey with four pairs of orange markings.  A widespread species often found in gardens feeding on aphids.

Seven spot ladybird, Coccinella 7-punctata

Conclusion

By understanding the importance of ladybirds and taking steps to attract them to your garden, you can help to create a healthier and more balance ecosystem.