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Eyed Ladybird

Eyed Ladybird ©Richard Burkmarr

Eyed ladybird

The large eyed ladybird is unmistakeable: it is our only ladybird with yellow rings around its black spots. Ladybirds are beneficial insects, managing garden pests - encourage them by putting up a bug box.

Scientific name

Anatis ocellata

When to see

March to October

Species information

Statistics

Length: 8-10mm
Common.

About

The eyed ladybird is a large ladybird that 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 eggs in batches of up to 40.

How to identify

The eyed ladybird is unmistakeable: it is larger than all the other ladybirds and is the only one that has 'eyed' spots - black spots ringed with yellow. Its wing cases are red.

Distribution

Widespread.

Did you know?

The eyed ladybird is the UK's largest native ladybird.