KILDARE WILDLIFE WATCH: Did you know there are 19 species of Ladybird in Ireland

It was a long time since I came across a ladybird in my local area, but recently I observed this seven-spotted ladybird (seacht spota bóín bó) on a patch of nettles.

There are nineteen species of ladybird that occur in Ireland and the seven-spotted ladybird is one of the most widespread and commonly observed in gardens, parks, grassland and hedgerow habitats in our communities.

This ladybird is easily identified by its red wing case and seven black spots. The thorax, which supports the wings and legs of the ladybird, also has a distinctive black and white pattern. It is suggested that the bright red colour of the wing cases is to warn off predators from feeding on them.

If you have ever handled a ladybird you might also notice a yellow stain on your hands afterwards. This is a secretion from the ladybird, which has an offensive smell to also protect itself from predation.

Ladybirds usually mate in May and lay hundreds of eggs. Once the larvae, or young, hatch they are brownish-grey in colour with orange spots.

They begin to feed on aphids and will later pupate before the adult emerges. It takes about two months for the larvae to become an adult, which can live for approximately one year.

The ladybird will overwinter by hibernating in logpiles, piles of leaves or constructed bug boxes.

Both the larvae and adult ladybirds feed on aphids, meaning they are not only one of the most colourful invertebrates that visit our gardens, but they are also an important predator to keep unwanted aphids from eating your plants.

The National Biodiversity Data Centre in colloboration with the Centre for Environmental Data and Recording has initiated a Ladybird Atlas 2025 project.

The purpose of the project is to increase the knowledge of the distribution of the nineteen species of ladybird in Ireland, and to better understand their habitat preferences. You can get involved by submitting your observations of ladybirds to the National Biodiversity Data Centre by visiting www.biodiversityireland.ie.

If you would like help identifying wildlife in your area contact the Bog of Allen Nature Centre at bogs@ipcc.ie.