Spotted Marsh Ladybird   Coccidula scutellata

A fairly common species of wetland habitats.

Identification          Length  2.5-3.0mm

A more orangy red colour than Red Marsh Ladybird, which is a deep red colour.

Distinctive pattern of black spots and markings, though extent of black markings are variable.

Amwell, Lee Valley, Herts

Clayton Hill, Lee Valley, Essex

Cudmore Grove CP, Mersea Island, Essex

Clayton Hill, Lee Valley, Essex

Fishers Green, Lee Valley, Essex

Fishers Green, Lee Valley, Essex

Clayton Hill, Lee Valley, Essex

With Red Marsh Ladybird

Fishers Green, Lee Valley, Essex

Habitat

Occurs in wetland habitats. Whilst it probably occurs in a variety of habitats, I find it most easily on Yellow Flag Iris, especially in May to June.

It can be found by eye, with patience, as it walks up and down the stems, often over open water.

Wildlife Pond

Fishers Green, Lee Valley, Essex

Yellow Flag Iris     Fishers Green, Lee Valley, Essex

Yellow Flag Iris

Fishers Green, Lee Valley, Essex

Often on the same plants as Iris Flea Beetle Aphthona nonstriata.

With Iris Flea Beetle

Can also be found with a sweep net in bankside vegetation.