Adults: When thinking of these insects, our first thought is bright red with black polka dots. However, these insects are surprisingly diverse and colourful. Base colours include red, orange, white, black or yellow. They can have spots or stripes. Ladybirds are typically hemispherical, short-legged; with the head tucked-in closely behind the following body segment (Pronotum). They can appear 'smooth and shiny' or 'hairy and matte'. They're a small insect, growing no larger than a 1cm. A Two-spot Ladybird will only grow as large as 0.5cm. Larvae: Ladybird larvae are distinctive and almost diamond-shaped. They're commonly black or grey with markings to match their parents, e.g. a yellow ladybird nymph will be black with yellow markings. Of course, this is just a general rule of thumb. Some larvae produce a waxy substance that forms tufts behind its rear end.

Diurnal

You can attract beneficial ladybirds and larvae into your garden by installing insect habitats. This could either be a bug box or insect hotel; or other alternatives include flower borders, hanging baskets, hedges, wildflower patches and herb gardens.