No Spot Ladybird for ID

[Malcolm Banks]

I spotted this ladybird in my garden just over a week ago. It did not appear to have any obvious spots. The thorax markings also do not match any that I have seen on images of the most common UK species. My suspicion is that it is a variant of one of the common species, but any confirmation would be appreciated.

[Jason Green]

Evening Malcolm,

I'd suggest the Ten-spotted Ladybird in a newly-hatched stage - but wait for other opinions

Take care,

Jason

[JRsbugs]

If this was found about a week ago surely it would not be newly hatched?

It's not easy to see the details, but it looks to me like the elytra near the tail end have those little bumps which the Harlequin LB, Harmonia axyridis has.

Janet

[Malcolm Banks]

Thanks Jason and Janet for your responses. The ladybird could have been newly emerged since I photographed it as soon as I saw it. I did a bit more digging and came to the conclusion that perhaps it was newly emerged but also that both the 10 spot and Harlequin had no-spot variants and moreover, the pronotum markings were most similar to variants of these two ladybirds.
The termiinal bumps is an interesting suggestion - I think I may have some other shots and will go back and see if these are any more revealing in this context. I suppose if it was the Harlequin I should have killed it and reported it to the Halrlequin LB survey people?
M

[Jason Green]

Originally Posted by Malcolm Banks

I suppose if it was the Harlequin I should have killed it and reported it to the Halrlequin LB survey people?

It wouldn't be worth your time killing it, really - but still report it if records are still of interest. They are present in good numbers and seem established though there is anecdotal evidence to suggest they aren't as prevalent as they had been. Still, we'll see how they do this year...

[JRsbugs]

Harlequins here are not doing very well, in fact I have never seen so many 7-spots. Perhaps the native one is better adapted, and maybe the larvae eat the Harlequin.

With reference to being newly emerged, I haven't known them to emerge this early in the year as most have overwintered and are mating now.

[loripo]

I've seen one of these.
http://www.wildaboutbritain.co.uk/fo...706#post500132
I also had one that emerged from a pupa I collected with no markings, & that looked like a ten spot.