Ladybird larvae of the British Isles WildID guide (OP152)

WildID Ladybird larvae guide is an identification guide to the larvae and pupae of ladybirds.

• Identification guide to the larvae and pupae of 26 species in Britain and Ireland
• Colour paintings by Chris Shields show the key colours and patterns
• Practical for use outdoors: lightweight, rucksack-sized, splash-proof

Like all beetles, ladybirds pass through several stages before reaching adulthood. Ladybird larvae are easy to find in summer in gardens and local green spaces, but they look very different to adult ladybirds. Indeed, in May and June you may find far more larvae than adults. Using this guide, it is possible to identify the larvae of all 26 species of conspicuous ladybirds by eye.

This guide also includes photographs of the pupae of 12 common species. Although pupae can be tricky to identify, they are largely immobile and attached to either a leaf or some other substrate. Many structural transformations take place inside the pupal case, as the ladybird develops into its adult form inside the pupal case.

Accompanying text includes a ladybird identification table. This table covers the important body features, habitat, distribution, status and overwintering site for each species. There are also concise descriptions of the anatomy, life-cycle and diet of ladybirds.

Field Studies Council worked with the UK Ladybird Survey to produce the Ladybird larvae guide.