Psyllobora vigintiduopunctata - Twenty-two-spot Ladybird

Phylum: Arthropoda - Class: Insecta - Order: Coleoptera - Family: Coccinellidae

The 22-spot Ladybird is one of only three yellowish ladybird species found in Britain and Ireland. Its spots hardly ever merge, so identifying this species is unlikely to prove difficult.

Description

At typically a mere 4mm in length, this is one of just three yellowish ladybirds found in Britain and Ireland. Key identification features of the adults are the 22 roundish black spots (occasionally as few as 20) on the yellow elytra (wing cases), and five black spots on the pronotum. Two colour forms occur: one with a yellow pronotum background and the other with a white pronoyum. The legs of this insect are brown.

Above: Larva of the 22-spot ladybird

Habitat

Rank grassland rich in umbellifers and nettles is the favoured habitat of this little ladybird, which can also be found in hedgerows, on woodland edges and even in urban gardens..

Distribution

The 22-spot Ladybird is widely distributed in Britain and Ireland. This species is widespread and abundant across most of England and eastern Wales but becomes less common in the the westcountry, western Wales and the north of England, and it is is scarce and localised in Scotland. The 22-spot Ladybird also occurs throughout most of mainland Europe.

Lifecycle

Like other ladybirds, this species has four stages in its lifecycle: egg, larva, pupa and winged adult. These little ladybirds feed mainly on mildew. The adults can be seen from April through to late August.

Acknowledgements

This page includes pictures kindly contributed by Betty and Tony Rackham.

References

O'Reilly, Pat. (1997; 8th reprint 2010) Matching the Hatch. Shrewsbury: Quiller Publishing.

Harde K.W. & Severa F. (1984) Field Guide in Colour to Beetles. Littlehampton Book Services.

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