Orange-and-white 'little arboreal' ladybird recorded in UK for first time

A small orange-and-white spotted ladybird species normally found on the continent has been recorded in the United Kingdom for the first time, conservationists said Thursday.

The beetle, Calvia decemguttata — commonly referred to in field notes as the Little Arboreal Ladybird — was observed in the New Forest, which spans parts of Hampshire and a small section of Wiltshire. Professor Russell Wynn, director of Wild New Forest, said the species is "common in France, but is a new colonist here in the UK and does not yet have an official English name." He added that the arrival was "likely to have crossed the Channel because of warming temperatures."

Calvia decemguttata adults are described as orange-brown with five white spots on each forewing. Their larvae are pale yellow–white with black spots and black legs. Field guides indicate the adults are typically found on deciduous trees from April to October and feed on aphids and the larvae of leaf beetles. Within its continental range the species is considered relatively rare.

The New Forest records come after an unusually warm, dry spring and summer in the UK, during which observers reported a sharp rise in ladybird numbers and a broader diversity of species. Other uncommon types such as the 13-spotted ladybird and the Adonis ladybird have also been detected in Britain this season.

Scientists say the recent weather created conditions that favoured aphid reproduction on crops and woodland, which in turn can support larger ladybird populations. "Ecology is complicated and this is a multi-factor problem, but it's for sure that the recent hot, dry weather has something to do with it," said Professor Stuart Reynolds, an insect biologist at the University of Bath. "My suggestion is that favourable weather conditions over the last few months have led to a boom in aphid numbers on cropland and woodland. Ladybirds eat aphids, so this has led to a consequent boom in ladybirds."

Swarms of ladybirds were widely reported in August and early September from towns and coastal resorts, where social media footage showed the insects covering surfaces such as cars, prams and umbrellas. While the scenes unsettled some residents and visitors, entomologists emphasised the insects pose no public-health threat. Ladybirds can occasionally bite when swarming, but their bites are not venomous and generally cause only a minor pinch or brief irritation.

Conservationists said the new record underlines the value of ongoing monitoring of insect populations as climate and land-use patterns change. Professor Wynn described the arrival as "a fascinating addition to Britain's ladybird fauna" and said the New Forest appears to be the core area for the newly established colony.

Scientists caution that increased sightings do not always indicate long-term establishment; some continental species appear temporarily during favourable conditions but fail to persist if climate or habitat conditions shift. Continued recording by trained naturalists and opportunistic observations by the public will be necessary to determine whether Calvia decemguttata becomes a regular resident of southern Britain.

The appearance of the Little Arboreal Ladybird follows broader efforts to document insect diversity and abundance, which researchers say are essential for understanding ecological responses to warming and for informing conservation practice. For now, entomologists say people who encounter the beetles should enjoy the sight and report confirmed records to local recording schemes to help build a clearer picture of their distribution.