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Post by rowanberry on Oct 19, 2015 20:48:00 GMT
Saw this crawling around on the azalea today- realise it's not a proper ladybird, but not sure what it is exactly?  |
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Post by ayjay on Oct 19, 2015 21:44:30 GMT
Looks like a Harlequin Ladybird to me - Harmonia axyridis.
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Post by aeshna5 on Oct 20, 2015 5:16:40 GMT
Agree, a Harlequin.
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Post by rowanberry on Oct 21, 2015 10:31:01 GMT
Thanks for the id! ...and another survey report filled out for this one, too... I read that they are considered to be the most successful invasive species in Britain, and are highly cannibalistic, "particularly prone to feeding on other ladybird species" according to the Guardian. They were brought in to control aphids- that seems to have backfired a little.  |
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Post by aeshna5 on Oct 21, 2015 13:48:01 GMT
Have to say they seemed really abundant a few years ago but numbers around me have declined significantly. I think some of the parasitoids that effect other ladybirds may now be controlling the Harlequin.
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Post by falcon5 on Jan 7, 2016 18:18:21 GMT
I have to agree with you aeshna5. Saw hardly any Harlequins last year but still had thousands of 7 spot amongst others..............it'll be interesting to see what happens this year.......
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