The Harlequin Ladybird (1 Viewer)

[Bubbs]

It looks like our Ladybirds could be under threat from the cannibal Harlequin Ladybird. This is now the commonest LB in the states and is now in the UK and range expanding.

If the radio reports are anything to go by we should be concerned, not just by the threat to our LB's but by the fact that many people in the states have been hospitalised by the bite of the Harlequin.

http://www.harlequin-survey.org/

Perhaps our friends in the USA could post more info for us.

John.

 

[PaulK]

I think they are becoming quite a problem.
There is a rather interesting article in the most recent Atropos magazine on them if you want to read more about their status in this country

 

[paul mabbott]

Well people in USA do go to their doctors and lawyers whenever there's a chance of compensation: there's no evidence that 'harlequin' ladybird bites are worse than any other ladybird, indeed any beetle, bite. However, when they are present in vast numbers there is obviously a better chance of being bitten!

Harmonia axyridis, the 'harlequin' is now the most abundant ladybird in inner London and in many other towns in south-eastern England. It is currently flying in some numbers - look out for them and *please* report any observations.

If the radio reports are anything to go by we should be concerned, not just by the threat to our LB's but by the fact that many people in the states have been hospitalised by the bite of the Harlequin.
http://www.harlequin-survey.org/

Perhaps our friends in the USA could post more info for us.

John.

 

[Tri-Counties Birder]

Can anyone please confirm that these are Harlequins?

Are they examples of the three forms (succinea, spectabilis and conspicua)?

I found them today stuck in my conservatory here in Surrey.

How widespread are Harlequins now?

 

[aeshna5]

Sean F- your tentative IDs are correct!

 

[paul mabbott]

Yes - in that order from bottom to top.
It's not unusual for the species to come indoors at this time of year (one of its common names is the hallowe'en ladybird).
The map at http://www.harlequin-survey.org/ is fairly up-to-date although it is also present in S. Yorks and Lancashire.

Can anyone please confirm that these are Harlequins?

Are they examples of the three forms (succinea, spectabilis and conspicua)?

I found them today stuck in my conservatory here in Surrey.

How widespread are Harlequins now?

 

[Tri-Counties Birder]

Thanks guys, I'll submit my record.

 

[Mis]

This appears to be an example of the succinea form with the spots merging to almost form ragged bands. The pronotum is unusual in that it is black, like the conspicua form, rather than white with an 'M' pattern. I've recorded large numbers of harlequins and this is the first I've seen like this.

 

[paul mabbott]

As the winter gets colder, new ladybirds get darker with the black spots merging and some quite unusual patterns appearing! There have been two or three examples of all-black individuals this year. In all cases the white sides of the pronotum persist.
The beast is still active and still spreading with further records from Wales and appearances in all English counties except Shropshire and the far north.

This appears to be an example of the succinea form with the spots merging to almost form ragged bands. The pronotum is unusual in that it is black, like the conspicua form, rather than white with an 'M' pattern. I've recorded large numbers of harlequins and this is the first I've seen like this.