Strange ladybird behaviour

[gringo]

I have seen two ladybirds since May.

This evening I saw some very odd activity. FIVE of them being hyperactive on my biggest maize. Is it breeding season?

I had two normal UK ones, plus a half size one (maybe slightly longer than wide compared to normal), plus one of the European types with the black carapace and red spots, and one that looked like a normal UK one but its head seemed to have much more white on it than I would expect.

All of them, except that last one, seemed very happy to be transported to chili plants. It kept flying back to the maize.

[Small pumpkin]

I'm not a ladybird behaviouralist and I don't know which ones you're on about.
I'll assume the two "normal " ones were 7 spotted and your "European" is a harlequin.

Here's a chart with photos that might help you work out what was going on
UK Ladybird Survey - Ladybird species in the UK

[gringo]

Yup, #1 & #2 were definitely UK 7-spot & #4 was harlequin.

I'll check if they're still around tonight and take some pics to compare to your chart. Thanks small pumpkin!

[Miss Mousetrousers]

I've suddenly noticed a lot of ladybirds on the outside of the house but haven't investigated what type they are.

[Penellype]

I've suddenly noticed a lot of ladybirds on the outside of the house but haven't investigated what type they are.

Very likely harlequins, which like buildings. I've seen more ladybirds recently than earlier in the summer - probably ones that have matured from the eggs laid earlier in the year. They are very welcome to come and eat my aphids and whitefly.

[gringo]

ahahahaha, sometimes your gut feeling is right.....

First one I found on the maize tonight, all on its own....




Then on the next leaf along....(I'm pretty sure those are different breeds based on Small Pumpkin's link)



And THEN, looking up a bit... (and though not clear from the pic, both of these couples were *ahem* the reverse of the above pair)

[Penellype]

Harlequins come in various different colours and markings. My Mum regularly gets them in large numbers on her south facing sitting room window in autumn and they are very variable. This link gives you some idea Harlequin Ladybird Survey - Recognition and Distinction but I find that some are distinctly redder than those pictures imply.

[Two_Sheds]

We’ve had very few ladybugs & hoverflies this year, but loads of bumbles

[Jonny.D]

Seen more ladybirds this year than many previous years put together.

The green aphids recently hit the plum tree again, time to get the homemade bug killer I thought then noticed 30+ ladybirds munching away on the aphids so left them to do what they do.