Taxonomy

Anatis ocellata | Eyed Ladybird

Distribution

Status

Conservation status

Not assessed

Legal status

Not protected

Species Biology

Identification

Adult: 7mm to 8.5mm in length making it the largest ladybird found in Ireland. The elytra is red with 18 black spots of varying size. Each spot is usually surrounded by a pale cream ring. The pronotum is black with a broad white wavy-edged border and two white spots on the back edge. Legs are black. 

Larvae: Dark colour. The orange mark on the prothorax  is diagnostic. 

Adult habitat & habits

Seems to be associated with needled conifers, in particular scots pine Pinus sylvestris and sitka spruce Picea sitchensis

Diet

Feeds on aphids

Distribution

World distribution(GBIF)

It occurs right across Europe, Central Asia and east to China and the Korean peninsula.

Irish distribution

Can be found across the country but appears to be uncommon

Temporal change

Records submitted to Data Centre in 2024

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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. 

Eyed ladybird species account on the Ladybirds of Ireland website


Eyed ladybird species account on the UK Ladybird Survey website

Images