The North East Ladybird Spot
Can you help record the North East’s ladybirds in 2021? By taking part in the North East Ladybird Spot, you’ll help increase our understanding of these iconic insects.
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Target species to search for
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Days left to take part
1,286
Records shared so far
Join the North East Ladybird Spot
Ladybirds are some of the North East’s most beautiful and iconic invertebrates, but there are still important questions to be answered about their distribution.
The UK Ladybird Survey aims to encourage the recording of the 46 ladybird species found within the UK. In 2021, your observations will make a difference for the species found across our region.
Urban or rural, enthusiast or expert, wherever you are in the region, your sightings will help reveal the mysteries surrounding ladybirds in the North East.
This spring and summer, join the North East Ladybird Spot from the Tees to the Tweed to increase knowledge and understanding of these exquisite invertebrates.
Discover the North East Ladybird Spot
Find out all you need to know to take part in new short video by entomologists, Gordon Port and Charlotte Rankin
Share your records
Taking part in North East Ladybird Spot is simple. Locate a ladybird, take a photo and submit your record to our recording form on iRecord.
Sightings of all ladybird species are welcome. Whether you’ve observed one of the nine target species, or something else, you can share your sighting below.
Please note that only records submitted to the North East Ladybird Spot iRecord activity will count towards the project.
If you have an iRecord account, you can add the Ladybird Spot to your Activities by joining here and click on the blue ‘Join’ button. You can then access the ladybird recording form via your Activities page or recording form on iRecord.
Meet the target species
In 2021, we need your help to record nine distinctive North East ladybirds.
From the familiar Seven-spot Ladybird to the distinctive Orange Ladybird, all of these species could be encountered in gardens and green spaces near you.
Meet the target species and find out how to identify them below.
Help with identification
The North East is home to many more species of ladybird and there is always the chance that you could encounter something different.
The UK Ladybird Survey has compiled a checklist of the UK’s conspicuous ladybirds that can be used to help you identify your finds.
If you need help identifying a ladybird you’ve spotted, you can email your sightings to us at nhsn.volunteer1@newcastle.ac.uk or contact us on social media using #NELadybirdSpot – we’ll do our best to help.
Ladybird basics›
When getting to grips with ladybird identification, it is useful to understand the basic parts that make up a ladybird and their life cycle.
Delve into ladybird basics as Dr Gordon Port introduces the anatomy and life cycle of the North East’s diverse and beautiful ladybirds.
Ladybird resources›
Perfect for participants of the North East Ladybird Spot, explore helpful resources to help you identify ladybirds this spring and summer.
More on North East Ladybirds
Explore a range of helpful articles and resources to help you observe, record and enjoy the North East’s ladybirds this spring and summer.
Become a member ›
Your support empowers passionate NHSN volunteers to carry out wildlife research and conservation across the North East.
When you become a member, you’ll receive year-round access to Gosforth Nature Reserve, regular publications and much, much more.