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 2023
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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.
Relevant links
Eyed ladybird species account on the Ladybirds of Ireland website
Eyed ladybird species account on the UK Ladybird Survey website