ladybird ID

[serendipity]

This was a fairly large ladybird is it a variation of the seven spot? It looks like a two spot variant in my books but was way to big!

[Jason Green]

Serendipity, your 'bird is a Harlequin. As for 7-spotted variations, I doubt they vary that much.

Nice pic, BTW!

[serendipity]

Really? well thankyou!

[aeshna5]

As Jason says it's a Harlequin + is of the form called spectabilis. Unlike some other ladybirds, 7-spots seem to show hardly any variation throughout their widespread range through Europe/temperate Asia.

[Jason Green]

Actually regarding variants of the seven spotted's, I have heard about a rare variant or subspecies in the UK, called something like Large seven spotted's; they supposedly have seven Larger spots. I've never seen one (then again I am yet to witness a rarity) or heard about them lately so it may be wrong information I've heard!

[mrs fish]

I saw alot of Harlequins to-day all different looking and quite a few seven spots.

[Paul mabbott]

Originally Posted by Jason Green

Actually regarding variants of the seven spotted's, I have heard about a rare variant or subspecies in the UK, called something like Large seven spotted's; they supposedly have seven Larger spots. I've never seen one (then again I am yet to witness a rarity) or heard about them lately so it may be wrong information I've heard!

I think you're remembering the scarce seven-spot - a closely related species (Coccinella magnifica) which commonly has more, larger spots than Coccinella septempunctata but is actually, usually, slightly smaller than the 7-spot. There were pictures in the gallery recently and, I think, a thread on this interesting species.

As mentioned, however, the 7-spot is one of the most conservative of species for pattern variation - very, very rarely is it seen with five or 9 spots or in a melanic form: the latter once every couple of years in UK?

[Pudding4brains]

Hi Paul,

Originally Posted by Paul mabbott

the 7-spot ... very, very rarely is it seen ... in a melanic form

Cool, never seen that yet, not even on images and didn't even know it existed. Do you know of any images of the melanic form on-line??

Thanks! Arp

[Jason Green]

Paul - Yes, that's the one!

Pudding - Yes, Paul's site!

1. http://www.ladybird-survey.pwp.bluey...k/londonla.htm and http://www.ladybird-survey.pwp.bluey...k/antCoccm.jpg

2. searchNBN.net - http://www.searchnbn.net/gridMap/gri...NSYS0000008321

[Pudding4brains]

Thanks Jason, but I was referring to the melanic (black) form of the normal 7-spot (Coc.sep.) Still ... if you have any links for that ... would be appreciated

Cheers though, Arp

[Jason Green]

Puds - Oh... Then in that case, see this:


This picture is said to be the melanic form - I think it also resembles the Harlequin though. Maybe they go unnoticed and unreported as they are so similar aesthetically?

[Pudding4brains]

Hi Jason,

Originally Posted by Jason Green

This picture is said to be the melanic form - I think it also resembles the Harlequin though.

I'm sure you are 100% right there (and bumblebee.org isn't)

Dent in the rear end and brownish legs - no way that's a 7-spot

Many thanks for all your troubles though!
Arp