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Black with two red rear spots
There are three species of black inconspicuous ladybirds that typically show two red spots on the rear of the wing cases. They are all rare or extinct and only two are currently on the British list of accepted species.
This a difficult group to identify and may require specimens for microscope examination or at the very least high resolution photographs of the upper and undersides to prove identification.
Nordic Ladybird Scymnus jakowlewi 2.4-3.2mm
One recorded in Clackmannanshire in 1982
A northern species found in Scandinavia, reported from heathland and pine forests.
The largest species in this group and the only one with a prosternal keel.
The spots can be large but usually small and dull, not very obvious, occasionally absent.
A reddish tip to the rear wing cases sometimes present.
Females have an all dark head and pronotum but males show a red face and leading edge to the pronotum, similar to other Scymnus species, so are quite distinctive.
Rear-spot Ladybird Nephus bisignatus 1.5-2.0mm
Four records in Kent and Sussex, last recorded in 1996
Widespread but rare on the continent, often coastal, associated with cypress and feeds on mealybugs.
No prosternal keel.
The centre of the spots at three quarters of wing case length.
The spots usually small and obscure, rarely absent.
Pronotum matt black.
Twin-spot Ladybird Nephus bipunctatus 1.5-2.0mm
One photographed in southern England in 2025 was considered to be this species but not confirmed.
Widespread but uncommon on the continent. Occurs in woodland and forest edges in shrubs and herbs. Feeds on mealybugs.
No prosternal keel.
The centre of the spots at two thirds of wing case length.
The spots usually large, rounded or rectangular.
Pronotum shiny black.
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