The scientific name of this insect is Coccinella septempunctata, referring to its seven spots
If you spot a ladybird in Malta, it’s likely to be what is known as a Seven-spot Ladybird, as this is the most common type of ladybird in Europe. Unfortunately, the chances of seeing one have decreased in recent years, due to the increased use of pesticides on farms, leading to a decrease in biological pest controllers like the ladybird.
However, with some patience and time in the countryside, one may catch sight of one of these small creatures, measuring approximately 7 to 10mm with red wings dotted with seven black spots, as their name suggests.
In Maltese, this beetle is referred to as ‘Nannakola tas-Seba’ Tikki’. This is a direct translation from the English name, but not many people know how the name for ladybird, ‘nannakola’, came about. Originally, the beetle was called ‘kola’, possibly derived from the Italian ‘coccinella’. However, at the beginning of the 20th century, a popular local nursery rhyme called ‘Nanna Kola’ (Grandmother Kola) ended up changing the Maltese word for the insect to the one we know today!
Have you seen any ladybirds in the Maltese countryside recently?