The same ladybird? (Possibly)...

[Paul]

This is probably the same ladybird that I found the other night - but I can't be sure, but it's a distinct possibility. I'm wondering today though, if it is a female, or not...

There are a few subtle differences to distinguish between a male and female ladybird (not counting the obvious) - which include the anterior coxal spots, longer antennae (in some species) prominent bands between body segments, and more. I read somewhere that another is the eyes of the males have white markings between them whereas females don't.

I'm not an entomologist so I could be wrong... If the last statement is correct, then we are seeing a male here...

 

Paul.

[Clicker]

" NOT AN ENTOMOLOGIST .....!!"  

Yer could 'ave fooled me Paul !

 Another  1st rate  set .....AGAIN ...

[Paul]

Hehehe, ento-paul....

Thanks Polly.

Paul.

[CMunzel]

Excellent set and thank you for adding the info about differentiating between males and females. Do you know what it is doing in these shots? 

[Paul]

25 minutes ago, CMunzel said:

Excellent set and thank you for adding the info about differentiating between males and females. Do you know what it is doing in these shots? 

Thanks Cheryl - it was resting I'd say - there was no food on the leaf, the darker patch in #1 is I think a small droplet of rain water that hadn't evaporated away - it seems to be refracting the bush I reckon.

Paul.

[CMunzel]

Thanks Paul. 

[Ryewolf]

More great shots Paul, Ladybirds (are males called manbirds?) I find to be the most difficult to photograph under any circumstances.