Seven spot ladybirds can be seen from March to October, hibernating during the winter months, and can be identified by counting the spots! 

They mostly eat aphids, so they are a natural pest control. 

Ladybirds have warning colourations (aposematism), and when handled, can release a smelly, yellow substance (haemolymph) from their joints. 

You can help ladybirds and other insects by participating in events like “No Mow May”, and ensuring there are available pollinator plants through spring and summer. Leaves left on the ground in autumn also create an important over-wintering habitat for them. 

If you see a ladybird, you can always contribute the observation to a citizen science project to help monitor population changes.

The term Ladybird comes from the Middle Ages! Farmers used to call them “beetle of our Lady” from their association with the Virgin Mary.

Thanks to Fuwa Fuwa for hosting the ladybird sticker. Pop in for delicious fluffy pancakes! https://www.fuwafuwa.co.uk/ 

To find the next sticker, head to the Princess Alice Hospice shop on Clarence Street (opposite the side of John Lewis)