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Harlequin Ladybird
AuntyRach
Posts: 5,291
Found this little lovely today whilst admiring the Autumn colours of a potted Acer. I read that this Ladybird can be called the Halloween Ladybird - could it be because they are abundent in Autumn, or because of their colouring perhaps?
My garden and I live in South Wales.
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I am in SW France and we had a ladybird plague today. All finding a hibernation spot in the limestone walls. I feel so lucky because, hopefully, they will emerge, hungry, frisky and ready to munch on all things destructive when they come out...There were all different types...An amazing sight...
Hi AuntyRach
That definitely looks like a Harlequin. They come in a number of different colours and can be seen in huge clusters at this time of year around the sash window recesses in our house. They're a real pest as they tend to swarm around the house as soon as the central heating comes on (around Halloween)..
I was advised by an entomologist to hoover them up . He said that beetles are tough and can survive that treatment. I hoovered them up one evening a few years ago when my seven year old grandson was freaked out after they came swarming round his nightlight. I stopped counting when I reached a hundred! More often I have scooped them into a container and put them somewhere sheltered outside.
When these first came into the country in the early 2000's they were thought to pose a danger to our native ladybirds by eating more than their fair share of aphids and even eating our natives. I think the jury may still be out on this but they are so widespread now that nothing will stop them.
There is a really good website (see below) with good pics to help id.
http://www.harlequin-survey.org/recognition_and_distinction.htm#
Good luck and, whatever you do, don't let these 'little lovelies' in your house!
Another magic moment from Mother Nature there Rooted - thanks for sharing ?
Fab info thanks CurlyCarly. Suppose one is cute but a hundred sounds like the makings of a Halloween movie!
Last edited: 15 October 2016 23:05:32
Looks like the Harmonia axyridis conspicua (see details on the website mentioned by CurlyCarly above at http://www.harlequin-survey.org/recognition_and_distinction.htm#
They are considered an invasive pest and should be reported (see the harlequin-survey site).
Surely too common now to be reportable? I have seen at least one every day over summer / autumn. Still see some natives as well though. They seem to be living together ok....at least in my garden..