10-spot Ladybird Adalia 10-punctata

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Description

A small (5mm) ladybird. A variable insect which may have more or less than 10 spots, commonest form being orange-yellow with black spots but there are also various melanic forms. It can be separated from similar forms of the 2-spot Ladybird by always having pale legs and a brown underside with a small part of the sternum whitish. The melanic chequered form of the 10-spot could be confused with a heavily marked 14-spot, which also has pale legs.This species has a red-brown underside

Note the apical antennal segment of the 14-spot is rounded at its tip, but is squared off in the 10-spot.

When handled , like shieldbugs and beetles in general they may exude orange liquid from their joints. This ontrolled bleeding can stain the hands and smell for quite some time Bright colours act as a learning curve to predators that they exude a bitter taste.They often hibernate in huge aggregations in sheds or under loose tree bark and are active from March to October.

Habitat

Generally common in most habitats though it has a preference for trees and bushes in woods where the larvae feed on aphids.

Diet

Both adults and larvae feed on aphids. A very common species.

 

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