Normski4ash - Macro Photography

Propylea quattuordecimpunctata

The 14-spot Ladybird is a medium-sized ladybird found in a wide variety of habitats, particularly grassland, woodland edge, towns and gardens. Both adults and larvae feed on aphids, making them a friend in the garden. The 14-spot Ladybird has a long hibernation period, emerging as late as May to breed. Its bright colouration is a warning to predators that it is distasteful, although some birds may still have a go at eating it.

How to identify

The 14-spot Ladybird is bright yellow with up to 14 rectangular black spots on the wing cases; these spots are variable in shape and may become fused to create a chequered pattern. It can be distinguished from the smaller 22-spot Ladybird (the only other yellow and black ladybird) by its more rectangular, merging spots.