I'm desperate for Ladybird records and any other members of the Coccinellidae, as I'm currently gathering the data for a future ladybird atlas in Cheshire. There are presently huge gaps in distribution of even our commonest species so I want all records please. If you are able to do so please put them directly on the system through RODIS and through that route I will get any that require validation. Failing that please e-mail them to me a birderjeff@sky.com
A word of caution, ladybirds are fairly easy to identify and there are a limited number of species but several species can show confusing variation. I've recently posted a blog on my website to demonstrate the variability of one of our commonest ladybirds http://www.jeffclarkeecology.co.uk/site ... -Kind.html
If you want to participate but need a good in-the-field guide I recommend the excellent FSC Guide to Ladybirds of the British Isles ISBN: 1 85153 297 8 for just £2.75
Many thanks for your help.
Jeff Clarke
Cheshire County Ladybird Recorder