My new compost bin is home to about 30 Harlequin ladybirds as adults, larvae and they are from guess where!?
Harlequin ladybird (Harmonia axyridis)
The harlequin ladybird is a new species to the UK. It has a voracious appetite and a longer breeding period than native species, and there are some fears it may out-compete native species.
Where has it come from?Japan originally but it has been deliberately introduced into the USA and some mainland European countries as a biological control of aphids.
When did it reach Britain?It was first detected in England in 2004.
How did it get here?It may have come in on imported plants or cut flowers, it may have hitched a ride on a cross-channel lorry, or it may even have flown across the Channel.
For pictures of harlequin colour forms visit www.harlequin-suvey.org/recognition_and_distinction.htm.For pictures of native adult ladybirds visit www.ladybird-survey.org/UKladybirds/Ukladybirds.htm and click on the common names in the table.
Harlequin ladybird (Harmonia axyridis)
The harlequin ladybird is a new species to the UK. It has a voracious appetite and a longer breeding period than native species, and there are some fears it may out-compete native species.
Where has it come from?Japan originally but it has been deliberately introduced into the USA and some mainland European countries as a biological control of aphids.
When did it reach Britain?It was first detected in England in 2004.
How did it get here?It may have come in on imported plants or cut flowers, it may have hitched a ride on a cross-channel lorry, or it may even have flown across the Channel.
For pictures of harlequin colour forms visit www.harlequin-suvey.org/recognition_and_distinction.htm.For pictures of native adult ladybirds visit www.ladybird-survey.org/UKladybirds/Ukladybirds.htm and click on the common names in the table.
Needless to say because it is not my nature to harm any living being I am leaving them alone and hoping that Mother Nature will sort it all out......rather her than me!
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