Normski4ash - Macro Photography

Halyzia sedecimguttata

The Orange Ladybird is a large ladybird that feeds on mildew (fungus) on trees, particularly Sycamores, but has recently spread on to Ash and is increasing in numbers. It hibernates in leaf litter or in sheltered locations. The lifecycle of a ladybird consists of four phases: the egg; the larval stage, during which the larva undergoes a series of moults; the pupa in which the larva develops into an adult; and the adult phase, during which the female lays egg in batches of up to 40.

How to identify

The Orange Ladybird is pale orange with 14 to 16 white spots. The Cream-spot Ladybird is similar, but is a darker browny-orange colour and is a little bit smaller. Cream-spot Ladybirds are more often found on bushes and at woodland edges.