Coccinella septempunctata, commonly known as the Seven-spot Ladybird, is a species of beetle in the family Coccinellidae. This insect is well-distributed throughout Europe, including the Comunidad Valenciana. In Spanish, it is often referred to as "mariquita de siete puntos".

Characteristics:

• Appearance: The Seven-spot Ladybird is easily recognizable by its convex, almost hemispherical body. It is typically red or orange with seven distinct black spots on its elytra, or wing covers.
• Size: Adults are generally 7-10 mm in length.
• Wings: Beneath the colorful elytra, they possess a pair of functional wings used for flight.

Habitat:

• This species is commonly found in gardens, forests, grasslands, and agricultural areas.
• They are known to thrive particularly well in environments where aphids, their primary food source, are abundant.

Behavior and Diet:

• Seven-spot Ladybirds are beneficial to agriculture as they feed on aphids and other plant pests.
• They are active during warmer months and seek shelter under leaves, bark, or stones during colder periods.

Reproduction:

• The mating period occurs mainly in spring and early summer.
• Females lay clusters of yellow eggs that hatch into larvae capable of consuming aphids at high rates.

For those exploring the rich biodiversity of the Comunidad Valenciana, spotting the vibrant Coccinella septempunctata adds a delightful experience to the observation of local fauna.