DESCRIPTION: Length 4 - 5mm. Another ladybird with a red ground colour to the elytra with 7 - 11 black spots. Fusions of these spots is uncommon and they may occasionally be surrounded by a thin yellow ring. The pronotum is black with white anterior-lateral marks. The legs are black. BEHAVIOUR: 11-Spot Ladybirds like to overwinter in leaf litter and buildings. Host plants for the larvae include Sea Radish, Common Nettle, Gorse, Rosebay Willowherb and occasionally deciduous trees. The larvae, as like other ladybirds, feed on aphids. In the winter it may be tapped from the branches of pines or gorse.. DISTRIBUTION: A scarce species with records mainly from southern Britain becoming less frequent further north. Due to it being a migratory species it can turn up almost anywhere though. HABITAT: This species can be found in many habitats but has a preference for coastal areas, particularly dune systems. PERIOD: Best seen throughout the warmer months in the field but can be found hibernating through the winter. |
