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
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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.
