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How to Identify Harlequin
Ladybirds
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UK
Safari Tip:
A great way to see all the details on ladybirds is with a special
magnifier box - click here
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The picture above shows some of the variations in the appearance of the harlequin
ladybird. Because the species is so variable it can make identification difficult.
Here are some features to look out for...
SIZE
It is larger than the majority of our native species - approximately 6-8 mms.
Our native 7-spot ladybird is similar in size, but the harlequin does not have
the same arrangement of spots. The Scarce 7-spot are always found near wood ants
nests, but the harlequin is not.
SHAPE
The body is much rounder than most British ladybirds.
COLOUR
It can be red, orange or mainly black (melanic). Native melanic ladybirds are
rarely seen and they are usually much smaller.
SPOTS
It can have anything from 0 - 19 black spots which vary in size. If it is black
it will usually have 4 red patches.
LEGS
The legs of the harlequin are brownish and the hind rim of the underside is quite red.
Our other large ladybird, the 'Eyed ladybird' has black legs.
HEAD
It has a triangular white mark on its head. Our native cream-spot ladybird always has a reddish
forebody with no white patches.
UK Safari Ladybird Section
UK Safari Beetle Section
UK Safari Creepy-Crawlies Section
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