- Wildlife
- Invertebrates
- Beetles
- Eyed Ladybird
Richard Burkmar
About
The Eyed Ladybird is a large ladybird which is usually found on or near conifers, especially pine trees. Both adults and larvae feed on aphids, making them a friend in the garden. The lifecycle of a ladybird consists of four phases: the egg; the larval stage, during which the larva undergoes a series of moults; the pupa in which the larva develops into an adult; and the adult phase, during which the female lays egg in batches of up to 40.
How to identify
The red Eyed Ladybird is unmistakeable: it is larger than all the other ladybirds and it is the only one that has 'eyed' spots - black spots ringed with yellow.
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.