Taxonomy
Adalia decempunctata | 10-spot Ladybird
Distribution
Status
Conservation status
Not assessed
Legal status
Not protected
Species Biology
Identification
Adult: 3.5mm to 4.5mm in length. Body is typically red with 10 black spots, but both the colour and pattern of the body can be very variable. The pronotum is white with distinctive, but variable, black wedge-shaped markings. Legs are pale brown.
Larvae: it is a similar pattern to the 2-spot but the overall colour is paler and it is more slender. However, this is difficult to see without experience.
Adult habitat & habits
It is associated with deciduous woodland edge and hedgerows
Diet
Feeds on aphids
Similar species
Adults can be confused with 2-spot, Harlequin and kidney-spot ladybirds. Can best be separated from the two latter species by checking that it doesn't have a 'rim' around the edge of the elytra.
Distribution
World distribution(GBIF)
It occurs across Continental Europe eastward to the Urals, south-east to the Caucasus and to Transcaucasia Western Asia, and south to North Africa. It is common in Britain, but less widespread in Scotland.
Irish distribution
Appears to be widespread and common across the island of Ireland
Temporal change
Records submitted to Data Centre in 2023
The following map is interactive. If you would prefer to view it full screen then click here.
How can you help
Please submit any sightings of this species to Ladybird Survey
References
Publications
Roy, H., Brown, P., Frost, R. & Poland, R. 2011. Ladybirds (Cocciinellidae) of Britain & Ireland. Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, U.K.
Roy, H.E., Brown, M.J., Comont, R.F., Poland, R.L. & Sloggett, J.J. 2013. Ladybirds. Naturalists' Handbook No. 10 (2nd Edition). Pelagic Publishing, UK.
Relevant links
10-spot ladybird species account on the Ladybirds of Ireland website
10-spot ladybird species account on the UK Ladybird Survey website