The Seven Spot Ladybird is our most common and resident Ladybird.
It emerges from hibernation in March and there are one to two generations produced in year until October.
The female lays 40 eggs per batch.
There is also an influx of this species from Europe during this time.
Known as the Gardener's friend it eats Aphids and was even introduced in North America as a biological control agent to reduce aphid numbers. Unfortunately the Seven Spot is now being outcompeted by the Harlequin Ladybird that has gained a foothold and spread in the United Kingdom.
This week I found a group of 10 Seven Spot on stinging nettles alongside a riverbank as depicted in these images.
Along the riverbank
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| iPhone Image |
A very pretty lady Roy Great shots
ReplyDeleteThanks Margaret.
DeleteLovely set of images Roy.
ReplyDeleteIs this you getting down and dirty and into the world of macro/insect photography?
It' been 'my thing' for a few years now and I'm fully hooked...there's a colourful, diverse and cut-throat world going on down in the undergrowth! (and telling on the knees!!)
Bird photography challenging? ...pah!!...[;o)
Thanks Trevor.
DeleteJust a little venture into your World Trevor. Think I need a lot more physical training though.
Either I'm more observant this year or there are more about at the moment.
ReplyDeleteI think there are more about John.
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