Bug

I found this curious critter meditating on my window sill. My first thought was 'what in tarnation is that?' because to me, ladybirds are postbox red with little black spots. Google suggests, however, that they aren't all that way. It looks as though this little fellah was probably a black two spot ladybird....black or 'melanistic' ones are not unknown apparently. So there we go. My entomological experience has been duly expanded.
I encouraged him over the last few inches of the sill and into the open air with a gentle tap of my finger, and I got the impression the directions were welcome as he tumbled off into the daylight on buzzing wings.