Orange ladybird

The orange ladybird is pale orange with up to 16 cream spots on its wing cases. It feeds on mildew on trees like sycamore and ash, and hibernates in the leaf litter. It often turns up in moth traps.

Species information

Statistics

Length: 6mm

Conservation status

Common.

When to see

April to October

About

The orange ladybird is a large ladybird that feeds on mildew (fungus) on trees; it particularly likes sycamores, but has recently spread on to ash and is increasing in number. It hibernates in leaf litter, or in sheltered locations. 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 orange ladybird is pale orange with 14 to 16 white spots. The cream-spot ladybird is similar, but is a darker browny-orange colour and is a little bit smaller. Cream-spot ladybirds are more often found on bushes and at woodland edges.

Distribution

Widespread in England and Wales, but rarer in Scotland.

Habitats

Did you know?

The orange ladybird is attracted to bright lights at night and often turns up in moth traps.

How people can help

Our gardens are a vital resource for wildlife, providing corridors of green space between open countryside, allowing species to move about. In fact, the UK's gardens provide more space for nature than all the National Nature Reserves put together. So why not try planting native plants and trees to entice birds, mammals and invertebrates into your backyard? To find out more about encouraging wildlife into your garden, visit our Wild About Gardens website: a joint initiative with the RHS, there's plenty of facts and tips to get you started, at www.wildaboutgardens.org.uk.