• Cambridge, garden, various dates 2001-3
• Very variable coloration, forms shown have (from left) almost no markings; 10 pale markings; 10 spots and two small marks; additional spots on the scutellum and the apices of the elytra making 13 in all; 13 spots starting to join up; and (f. decempustulata) the spots fully joined leaving 10 irregular orange blobs.
• Finally, proof that they really are the same species!

• Cambridge: Various dates 2001-3
• Less variable than many ladybird species, but there is substantial variation in the sizes of the spots. Enlargements: [1] [2] [3]
• Below, newly emerged adults are bright yellow with no markings (left); an hour later the markings are emerging (right). The background colour reddens much more gradually.

• Cambridge Science Park TL462617: 12 Aug 2002
• Adults and larvae are predators on scale insects
• (but I have also observed one was mooching around on a rotten pear ...)
• This photo shows the distinctive rim round the margin of the elytra and has identical markings to that at the UK Ladybird Survey. Note, however, that there are forms of the 2-spot ladybird which look very much like this!

• Cambridge: 16 Jun 2002
• A mildew feeder
• This specimen was found at a lighted window (I've never seen one in the garden in the daytime).
• Right, a standoff with a spider. (I never found out the result).

• Cambridge: 26 Feb 2008
• Found at Paradise Nature Reserve. TL44605722.
• Enlarge: [1] [2]

• Cambridge: various dates 2001-3
• As can be seen, this is also a somewhat variable species with more than one parameter. The central one is some way off being symmetrical.

• Cambridge: 21 Jun 2002
• The spot count (as in all ladybirds) includes elytral spots only and includes a half (or less) spot right on each flank.
• Feeds on mildew
• Thea 22-punctata in older references.
  

Enlargement: 7-spot