10 Spot Ladybird
Adalia decempunctata
This record describes Adalia decempunctata (species). Recorded family: Coccinellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
A small and variable ladybird - which confusingly doesn't always have 10 spots. Newly hatched specimens take a while to develop the orange background colour and appear pale brown like the image below. The legs are brown in this species which is a helpful guide to identification (c.f. 2 Spot Ladybird, which has black legs). Some colour forms can be difficult to distinguish from the 2 Spot Ladybird, but this has black legs. Unless identified by a recognised expert, good photos are required that show the key ID features. Also state the size in the comments box. Both adults and larvae feed on aphids and are useful in keeping these down. They often hibernate in huge aggregations in sheds or under loose tree bark. Very common throughout Britain though less so in the far north.
Wikipedia reference for Adalia decempunctata: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adalia_decempunctata.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Coccinelloidea
- Family
- Coccinellidae (Lady Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Coccinellinae
- Genus
- Adalia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Woodland, gardens with trees.
Seasonal Activity
They are active from March to October.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Both adults and larvae feed on aphids and are useful in keeping these down. They often hibernate in huge aggregations in sheds or under loose tree bark.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Very common throughout Britain though less so in the far north.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Adalia decempunctata. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Coleoptera is the largest order of insects with over 400,000 described species, representing ~25% of all known animal species and ~40% of all insects. In the U.S. alone, nearly 30,000 beetle species have been identified.
Ecological role of the group
Beetles are prominent decomposers, especially in forests, breaking down dead wood and recycling nutrients. As predators, they reduce populations of pest insects. Many species are also important pollinators of flowering plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Beetles have major economic significance: leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) and weevils (Curculionoidea) are among the most destructive agricultural pests globally, costing billions annually, while predatory species like ladybugs provide natural pest control.
Recorded sources for this group: Britannica, Smithsonian, NCSU Entomology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of 10 Spot Ladybird (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About 10 Spot Ladybird
What is 10 Spot Ladybird?
10 Spot Ladybird (Adalia decempunctata) is a species in the family Coccinellidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is 10 Spot Ladybird found?
Habitat: Woodland, gardens with trees.
When is 10 Spot Ladybird active?
10 Spot Ladybird: seasonal activity - They are active from March to October..
What is the life cycle of a 10 Spot Ladybird?
Both adults and larvae feed on aphids and are useful in keeping these down. They often hibernate in huge aggregations in sheds or under loose tree bark.