Kitchen Garden Forum

Hi,
Spotted 2 lovely ladybird-sized beetle on my aubergines. They are black and shiny with an unusual horseshoe white shape at the top of the wing case. I left them to do whatever they were doing. Can't find them after extensive search of images on google.
Any ideas - are they a type of ladybird? I did find some greenfly in the GH so wondered if they were in there for that reason.
Just wanted to know if they are friend or foe.
Many thanks,
Helen

Hi Helen,

Probably Ladybirds I would think. The Two Spot Ladybird is very variable in colour and shape of spots particularly.
Hope that helps

Thanks for replying - will have another look if I can see them. There were no spots on them at all though - the wing case was totally black. But it was ladybird size and shape so I expect it was. Bad news for the aphids, good news for the aubergines!
Cheers,
Helen

Hi Helen,

There are some variations of the 2 spot and the 10 spot on this link.

http://www.ladybird-survey.pwp.blueyond ... adalia.htm

Rhyzobius litura, perhaps.

Hi Felix,
Well done. Great to find out. I clicked on the Blue Yonder small photograph and was absolutely captivated! I scrolls on for ages.
JB.

Thanks everyone, I've still seen nothing quite like them - the white marking was above the wing case. Wish I'd got a photo.
All the best,
Helen