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Harlequin Ladybird

Harmonia axyridis

Description:

A large ladybird (more than 5mm long) that has been introduced from Asia to other parts of the world. It arrived in the UK in 2004, and is a threat to native species. Not only do they compete for the same foods, but harlequins can also eat the pupae and eggs and other ladybirds, butterfly and moth eggs and even caterpillars. They don't require a dormant period as many native ladybirds do, and are also a pest to humans (get indoors during the winter and can bite). Highly variable in appearance.

Habitat:

Harlequin ladybirds are very adaptable. I found this one on a bindweed leaf next to the roadside, while waiting for the bus one morning.

Notes:

I have sent this to the Harlequin Ladybird Survey in the UK to confirm that this is a harlequin, and help them map the spread of these invasives.

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LauraMaria
Spotted by
LauraMaria

Colchester Borough (Essex), England, United Kingdom

Spotted on Sep 19, 2012
Submitted on Sep 19, 2012

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