Faintly marked ladybird.

[Bruce Williams]

Stony Stratford, Bucks.

Noticeably smaller than most ladybirds - ~4mm.

Help with identification appreciated:



Bruce

[nutmeg]

It's a 10-spot, Bruce, as you suggested on the image

[Bruce Williams]

Thanks nutmeg.

Yes based on its small size and pronotum pattern I thought it probably was a 10-spot - although the elytron colour and markings are very different from those that I've photographed in the past.

Bruce

[Red Robin]

Another Ladybird ID and spot question:

I witnessed this emergence from the pupa this Summer and wonder if Ladybirds are 'born' without spots at first.

Also, I think it may be a Harlequin. Any ID suggestions please? Thanks

[Bruce Williams]

Interesting pic RR. Although I've seen and photographed many ladybird pupae I have yet to witness an emergence .

Bruce

[Red Robin]

Originally Posted by Bruce Williams

Interesting pic RR. Although I've seen and photographed many ladybird pupae I have yet to witness an emergence .

Bruce

....It's the only emergence I've ever seen - It all happened very quickly: About 20 seconds.

I only use a Fuji FinePix 200EXR which being a compact digital has many limitations including no manual focus, but it is small enough to always carry. I'm considering a Leica X1 but it doesn't have micro. However, its image quality would allow cropping to achieve close-up plus it can shoot RAW.

The faint spots on the Ladybird in your pic, and the no-spots on my emergence, suggests that perhaps they are 'born' without spots initially. You might have just missed the emergence. But in ignorance I'm guessing.

[Paul mabbott]

Originally Posted by Red Robin

....I witnessed this emergence from the pupa this Summer and wonder if Ladybirds are 'born' without spots at first.

Yes, most ladybirds emerge from pupae with yellowish elytra but well-defined pronotal patterns. The black spots develop after 6-48 hours in most species, the 'red' may take longer and is very variable between individuals and species - the 10-spot, Adalia bipunctata is notably slow in developing both colours: may stay yellow-orange all their life.

Also, I think it may be a Harlequin. Any ID suggestions please?

The small white corner on the forebody suggests a 7-spot, Coccinella septempunctata. I've said it before but I'll say it again - pronotal patterns are often more reliable than elytral ones - especially in the case of recently eclosed individuals.

[Red Robin]

^^^^
Many Thanks, Paul

You have educated me regarding Ladybirds