- Wildlife
- Invertebrates
- Beetles
- 7-spot Ladybird
Rachel Scopes
About
The 7-spot Ladybird is 'the' ladybird that everyone is familiar with. A virtually ubiquitous inhabitant of gardens and parks, the 7-spot Ladybird will turn up anywhere there are aphids for it to feed on. Adults hibernate in hollow plant stems and cavities, sometimes clustering together in large numbers. The 7-spot Ladybird is also a migratory species: large numbers fly in from the continent every spring, boosting our native population. The bright colours of ladybirds warn predators that they are distasteful, although some birds may still have a go at eating them.
How to identify
The 7-spot Ladybird is easily recognised by its red wing cases with a pattern of seven black spots, combined with the familiar black- and white-patterned thorax.
Where to find it
Widespread.
Habitats
When to find it
- March
- April
- May
- June
- July
- August
- September
- October
How can people help
Many of our commonly overlooked insects are actually important pest controllers in the garden: ladybirds love hunting down aphids, for instance. You can provide a home in your garden for hibernating ladybirds by drilling holes into a log or block of wood, or by filling an old tin can with short lengths of cane so that their hollow insides are visible. To find out more about encouraging wildlife into your garden, visit our Wild About Gardens website: a joint initiative with the RHS, there's plenty of facts and tips to get you started.