I see a fair number of 2-spot ladybirds and have done for years. Today however was the first time I have seen the 'black' form. I have no idea how common the black form is overall but based on the last six years it is remarkably uncommon on this site.
It has been a good year for the 2-spot and the 7-spot ladybird this year. It was also OK last year but in 2008 they were less common. The only other species I have seen this year is the 14-spot and the Harlequin. In 2005 I saw the 2,7 and 14-spot and in addition the Orange Ladybird and the Eyed Ladybird. I am not sure whether their apparent absence since 2005 is natural variation in the populations, just chance as regards observation or some kind of effect of the invasive Harlequin Ladybird.
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