2 Spot Ladybird
Adalia bipunctata
This record describes Adalia bipunctata (species). Recorded family: Coccinellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
A small, common ladybird with two main colour varieties. Most are red with two black spots but some are black with red spots, the front tow of which extend to the edge of the wing case. Rarely there are intermediates with merged or multiple spots. The black versions are most common in the north where it helps the insect to absorb heat from the sun. The legs of this species are black (c.f. 10 Spot Ladybird). Some colour forms difficult to distinguish from the 10 Spot Ladybird, Adalia decempunctata, but this species has brown 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. They can be found in any habitat as long as there are aphids or other small creatures for them to eat. They are common garden visitors. The active adults can be seen from March to November. This carnivorous beetle is a voracious hunter of aphids and is often used in pest control. The females lay bright yellow eggs underneath leaves and the larvae are also fierce predators of aphids. The adults overwinter by hibernating, often in groups. Formerly very common throughout Britain but declining nationally.
Wikipedia reference for Adalia bipunctata: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adalia_bipunctata.
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
They can be found in any habitat as long as there are aphids or other small creatures for them to eat. They are common garden visitors.
Seasonal Activity
The active adults can be seen from March to November.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
This carnivorous beetle is a voracious hunter of aphids and is often used in pest control. The females lay bright yellow eggs underneath leaves and the larvae are also fierce predators of aphids. The adults overwinter by hibernating, often in groups.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Formerly very common throughout Britain but declining nationally.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Adalia bipunctata. 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 2 Spot Ladybird (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About 2 Spot Ladybird
What is 2 Spot Ladybird?
2 Spot Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata) is a species in the family Coccinellidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is 2 Spot Ladybird found?
Habitat: They can be found in any habitat as long as there are aphids or other small creatures for them to eat. They are common garden visitors.
When is 2 Spot Ladybird active?
2 Spot Ladybird: seasonal activity - The active adults can be seen from March to November..
What is the life cycle of a 2 Spot Ladybird?
This carnivorous beetle is a voracious hunter of aphids and is often used in pest control. The females lay bright yellow eggs underneath leaves and the larvae are also fierce predators of aphids. The adults overwinter by hibernating, often in groups.