Black Ladybirds

redwitch · #1 (**permalink**) 26-10-2009, 01:34 PM

I have noticed a black ladybird with four or five large red spots on it, which flew into the lounge whilst the doors were open, today. Unable to get my camera on it, but typical Ladybird size and shape. Is this a new variant?

Leontodon · #2 (**permalink**) 26-10-2009, 01:36 PM

It could be the Harlequin, which occurs in many colour forms, including the ones you describe.

aeshna5 · #3 (**permalink**) 26-10-2009, 06:00 PM

Sounds like the form spectabilis of the Harlequin as suggested above.

david156 · #4 (**permalink**) 26-10-2009, 07:23 PM

Sorry to butt in on your thread but I was just about to start a similar thread when I came across this one!

Was your Ladybird anything like this one that I found in the office at work?

If so maybe someone can answer two questions at once!

Cheers David.

Beekeeper · #5 (**permalink**) 26-10-2009, 07:54 PM

Regarding black ladybirds, i used to see some of that colour years ago long before the Harlequin came to our shores so i would think they are a variation of our own native ladybird, but i am no expert.

BK

aeshna5 · #6 (**permalink**) 26-10-2009, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beekeeper

Regarding black ladybirds, i used to see some of that colour years ago long before the Harlequin came to our shores so i would think they are a variation of our own native ladybird, but i am no expert.

BK

There are melanic forms of our native 2-spot Ladybird; also Pine+ Kidney-spot Ladybirds are black with some red markings, but the photo above does show a melanic Harlequin f.spectabilis. Note pronotum pattern, has pale legs, largish species. Also entering buildings by the thousand at the moment!

redwitch · #7 (**permalink**) 27-10-2009, 10:17 AM

[Thanks for that, David. Can't quite see the picture very clearly, but the one I saw had a black wing case, and the spots were about the size of a pin head placed in a square formation with, I think, one spot below in between the others. I will try and see if there are any more and get a picture this time.
Jan

QUOTE=david156;555712]Sorry to butt in on your thread but I was just about to start a similar thread when I came across this one!

Was your Ladybird anything like this one that I found in the office at work?

If so maybe someone can answer two questions at once!

Cheers David.[/quote]

Dutchess · #8 (**permalink**) 27-10-2009, 11:14 AM

Hi redwitch and welcome to WAB

Just to point out (as you are a newbie) that if you click on the photo David has posted, it will bring up a larger size - lots of detail can be seen

('Sounds like the same species to me...)

'Hope this helps,

D.

Beekeeper · #9 (**permalink**) 27-10-2009, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aeshna5

There are melanic forms of our native 2-spot Ladybird; also Pine+ Kidney-spot Ladybirds are black with some red markings, but the photo above does show a melanic Harlequin f.spectabilis. Note pronotum pattern, has pale legs, largish species. Also entering buildings by the thousand at the moment!

Thank you aeshna5 for confirming that there are native ladybirds of that colour, and for also confirming that the picture is of a Harlerquin, something else i have learnt from this forum

Ian

david156 · #10 (**permalink**) 27-10-2009, 07:31 PM

[quote=redwitch;555903][Thanks for that, David. Can't quite see the picture very clearly, but the one I saw had a black wing case, and the spots were about the size of a pin head placed in a square formation with, I think, one spot below in between the others. I will try and see if there are any more and get a picture this time.
Jan/QUOTE]

Hi Jan.

Sorry about picture. Only got big zoom lens for camera so took that from 6 foot away!! Need a macro lens! Will write letter in a months time to Mrs Santa sitting in the other room as subtle hints don't seem to be working!

David.