Sixteen-spotted Ladybird

The Sixteen-spotted Ladybird is a small beetle measuring 5 to 6 millimetres long. Its wing cases are cream to pale orange, marked with sixteen black spots arranged in a clear pattern. The area behind the head is cream with black markings that usually form an M shape. Unlike some related species, this ladybird shows little colour difference between individuals. It comes from eastern Asia but has spread to parts of continental Europe. In Britain, it is rare and only seen occasionally in southern England. It lives in places like deciduous woods, parks, and gardens, where it mainly eats aphids. This ladybird can be mistaken for other species, especially the Harlequin Ladybird. However, it can be recognised by its steady pattern of sixteen spots and pale background colour. The adults spend the winter in sheltered spots and come out again in spring.