Eleven Spotted Ladybird

Description:

Medium sized red ladybird with 11 spots on its carapace although technically the one heart shaped spot is split into two on each side of the wing case. Shows 4 white spots on the head and thorax and two tiny white spots at the top of the wing cases. Slightly elliptical in shape.

Habitat:

Common in gardens and orchards in New Zealand. was introduced from England in 1874 as a bio control for aphids. It lays its eggs in the soil and both the adult beetle and its lava are voracious feeders. Its estimated that a single ladybird can consume 1000 aphids in its lifetime.

Notes:

In the Middle Ages, these beetles were dedicated to the Virgin Mary, with the name 'Beetle of our Lady'. This has since been shortened to its name, Ladybird or Ladybug.