Anatis ocellata
| Distribution: | Europe and Asia |
| Size: | 70-85mm |
| Diet: | Aphids |
You’ll find these miniature marvels in temperate forests all across Europe, Russia and central Asia – look for them on coniferous trees.
There are around 5,000 species of ladybird that we know about, but Anatis ocellata is the only species that has yellow halos around its black eye spots.
Ladybirds are a bold red colour to warn off would-be predators – if attacked they can release small foul-smelling drops of yellow fluid. I do something pretty similar, to be fair.
Take a closer look…
