Which ladybird is this?

[Suzanne B]

I found this solitary ladybird yesterday but can't find a similar one in my books.
So, could someone help me with an id for it please.
It's about 5mm long.




Thanks
Suzanne

[paul m]

It's the ten spot ladybird, Adalia decempunctata - yes, I know it has twelve spots but it's a very variable species, can have 0-15 spots as well as some melanic forms!
The critical point, probably, is the spotty forebody (pronotum).

[Suzanne B]

Thanks Paul.
It's really quite confusing to id them at first when there are variations to specific species. Just when I think I've got it sussed I see one with something a bit different on it. But hopefully the more I see, the more I'll learn and the better I'll get!
Thanks for the points to look for as well....... if only it was just about counting the spots!
Suzanne

[goosey]

I presume this is a harlequin. I didn't notice what colour legs it had but it did have a dent/hollow area on it's elytra.

[paul m]

Originally Posted by goosey

I presume this is a harlequin. I didn't notice what colour legs it had but it did have a dent/hollow area on it's elytra.

Yes, succinea form.