Eyed Ladybird - Anatis ocellata
Description
At about 8 or 9 mm the Eyed Ladybird is our largest ladybird and its red elytra usually have 15 or 18 spots, but this may vary. Apart from its relatively large size, it is distinct from other ladybirds in usually (but not always) having pale borders around the black spots.
Identification difficulty
Habitat
Usually found on pine trees.
When to see it
Spring to autumn.
Life History
It eats adelgids (Pine aphids).
UK Status
Widespread but local in Britain, perhaps restricted by its dependence on Pine.
VC55 Status
Infrequent and local in Leicestershire and Rutland. There were a total of 58 VC55 records for this species up to March 2015.
David NichollsMartinshaw Wood05 November 2011
LostashLutterworth Estate Green01 July 2012without pale borders around the black spots
Mike HiggottCounty Hall11 June 2014
LostashLeicester Botanical Gardens10 May 2015
Mike HiggottCounty Hall11 June 2014
Mike HiggottCounty Hall26 October 2016
Margaret McLoughlinCharnwood Lodge NNR30 August 2020larva
Leicestershire & Rutland Map
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MAP KEY:
Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2020+ | 2015-2019 | pre-2015
UK Map
Mike HiggottCounty Hall13 June 2017larva
LostashLeicester Botanical Gardens10 May 2015
David GouldLeicester Garden06 May 2007on Lawson's Cypress
LostashLutterworth Estate Green01 July 2012without pale borders around the black spots
