DESCRIPTION: Length up to 4mm. Known as the Water Ladybird this species is yellow-beige with 15 - 21 black spots that can be occasionally fused. This colour form is only present from July through to April and for the rest of the time the ground colour becomes more reddish. The elongate and flattened appearance and the brown legs confirm the identification. The pronotum is rounded at the sides and the underside of the body is black edged with pale spots. BEHAVIOUR: Overwinters in the leaves and stems of reeds or in low herbage near small water bodies. DISTRIBUTION: A widespread species in the UK but more localised towards the north. HABITAT: Watery areas with plenty of lush herbage. Canal sides, pond edges and saltmarshes are all used. PERIOD: Best seen from April to late summer. |
