Paul writes: I went to Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire on Wednesday to look for Puffins, Gannets etc., but also kept a lookout for insects. I was rewarded when I came across this beautiful Eyed Ladybird (Anatis ocellata) sunning itself on the timber barrier along the cliff edge. It was extra special because it’s the first time I’ve seen one.
This is the largest Ladybird in the UK, 8-10mm long and easily recognised by the spots. They live and breed in coniferous woodlands, then in late summer the adults disperse to feed up for winter. They spend winter buried in soil or leaf litter, then emerge in spring. I’m not sure how far they disperse but I think Bempton is a fair distance from any coniferous woodland.
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