Ladybirds

Ladybirds are among our most familiar and attractive insects, often possessing bright colours and intricate patterns. Ireland has 20 resident conspicuous species and another 10 inconspicuous species. Some (such as the 7-spot Ladybird) are widespread and common, whilst others are limited to one or two sites. The variety of species in Ireland as well as the fact that it is possible to encounter ladybirds in almost any habitat make them fascinating insects to study. The 20 resident conspicuous species are outlined below, with notes on several other vagrant or poorly-recorded species. If you manage to find any of these species in Ireland, make sure you submit your sightings to the National Biodiversity Data Centre.

Resident species

Heather Ladybird (Chilocorus bipustulatus)

Kidney-spot Ladybird (Chilocorus renipustulatus)

Pine Ladybird (Exochomus quadripustulatus)

Orange Ladybird (Halyzia sedecimguttata)

22-spot Ladybird (Psyllobora vigintiduopunctata)

13-spot Ladybird (Hippodamia tredecimpunctata)

Larch Ladybird (Aphidecta obliterata)

2-spot Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata)

10-spot Ladybird (Adalia decempunctata)

Hieroglyphic Ladybird (Coccinella hieroglyphica)

7-spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata)