Fourteen-spot Lady Beetle

lady beetles, Coccinellidae, observed in Wundanyi, Kenya. Photo © by Michael Plagens

Observed on roadside vegetation, Wundanyi, Taita Hills, Kenya, May 2017.

This species, like many lady beetle species, is contrastingly marked with orange on black. Typically this is a sign that the owner has a strong defense such as a sting, a bite or in this case a potent chemical that would deter an insectivore like a bird. However, this species has a covering of short hairs that subdue the colors and gloss.

Coccinellidae -- Lady Bird Family

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Kenya Natural History

Copyright Michael J. Plagens. Page created 17 Sept. 2017.