Spotted Marsh Ladybird   Coccidula scutellata

A fairly common species of wetland habitats.

Identification          Length  2.5-3.0mm

A more orangey-red colour than Red Marsh Ladybird, which is a rufous-red colour.

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

Two angular black marks join together at the front of the wing cases to form a wide triangle. There are two further oval spots towards the rear third of the central line and the outer edge of each wing case has a rectangular mark at the halfway point.

Occasionally all these markings fuse together.

The antennae are long (longer than the head width) and the outer sides of the pronotum (between the head and the wing cases) are curved and bulge outwards.

The outer edges of the wing cases are straight, forming a parallel sided mid-section.

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

Silvermeade, Lee Valley, Herts

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.

Dense ditch side vegetation

Silvermeade, Lee Valley, Herts