Tuesday 2 March 2021

Pine Ladybird

In the lovely sunshine this week, a number of Seven-spot Ladybird could be seen emerging from their winter hiding places into the sunshine on the leaves of a cistus. 

But Andy M also spotted a much smaller ladybird - only about 3-4 mm in size, about half the size of the Seven-spot - with mostly black shiny wing cases, and four red spots. Two round spots on the top and towards the rear, and two comma-shaped spots on the side and towards the front.  The lower edge of the wing case or elytra, was obviously flanged. A little investigation revealed this to be a Pine Ladybird, reasonably common but hard to see due to its small size. This one just happened to be adjacent to a small pine tree in Andy's garden!

Seven-spot Ladybird

Pine Ladybird
Pine Ladybird (closeup)


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The Aims of Abington Naturewatch

At their meeting on 9 April 2005 the members approved this revised version of the aims of Abington Naturewatch:

  • To monitor and record the wildlife (fauna & flora) within the borders of the Abingtons;
  • To encourage protection of our wildlife, maintain its quality and foster its diversity;
  • To promote awareness of the richness, potential and problems of the natural environment of the Abingtons;
  • To cooperate in improving access to the local natural environment for the benefit of all Abington villagers.

Pat Daunt, Founder

The organisation is informal and communication is by email if possible; members are notified of events from time to time. Contact details are maintained by a small "project team". There is currently no membership fee as costs are covered by voluntary contributions at events.

Members are encouraged to report notable sightings of flora and fauna within the Abingtons to the appropriate sector coordinator and an illustrated record is published annually.

A map of the area covered, with some features noted, is available here: http://maps.google.co.uk/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=213774935674882866424.00000111dca2be9f06ab8&z=13>

For more information or to join, please contact David Farrant on (01223) 892871.

Contributions to our records should be sent to sector contacts or either of the above. Photographs may also be submitted to Andy Merryweather (amerryweather61@gmail.com)