Three 'seven-spot' ladybird beetles Coccinella septempunctata, feeding on a cluster of aphids on a plant stalk. Aphids are the ladybird's main food source; this beetle is encouraged by gardeners since aphids are serious pests of flowers, vegeta- bles & some fruit trees. Coccinella septempunctata is about 7mm long, with short antennae, & despite its short legs it is a good runner and a voracious aphid hunter. Seven black spots are found on the bright red wing covers of the beetle. The red and black colour is a warning colouration to predators, because this ladybird is able to squirt distasteful fluids from its limb joints.