Cream Spot Ladybird
Calvia quattuordecimguttata
This record describes Calvia quattuordecimguttata (species). Recorded family: Coccinellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
This ladybird has a maroon-brown casing with 14 creamy white spots. It has brown legs. This species is relatively easy to identify and is unlikely to be confused with anything else. However photos are always helpful to confirm your record. It feeds on aphids and psyllids and is often found on leaves and shrubs along hedgerows. It overwinters in plant litter, bark crevices and Beech nuts. Found over most of England and Wales but not as common in the north of Britain.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Coccinellidae
- Genus
- Calvia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Hedgerows and deciduous trees.
Seasonal Activity
April to October.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
It feeds on aphids and psyllids and is often found on leaves and shrubs along hedgerows. It overwinters in plant litter, bark crevices and Beech nuts.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Found over most of England and Wales but not as common in the north of Britain.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Calvia quattuordecimguttata. 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 Cream Spot Ladybird (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Cream Spot Ladybird
What is Cream Spot Ladybird?
Cream Spot Ladybird (Calvia quattuordecimguttata) is a species in the family Coccinellidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Cream Spot Ladybird found?
Habitat: Hedgerows and deciduous trees.
When is Cream Spot Ladybird active?
Cream Spot Ladybird: seasonal activity - April to October..
What is the life cycle of a Cream Spot Ladybird?
It feeds on aphids and psyllids and is often found on leaves and shrubs along hedgerows. It overwinters in plant litter, bark crevices and Beech nuts.