Harlequin central

[ladylouise62]

Spotting a small patch of nettles I checked them over in the hope of seeing some caterpillar activity (they keep saying that butterflies like them, but I never spot any there), when I saw that it was covered by loads of stages of Harlequin Ladybirds. The last shots show exactly why it was a popular location BTW, I hope you appreciate my hard work in amongst the nettles... I had bare arms!!!

I did spot a few rolled leaves, so hopefully there are some butterflies due to appear at some point... I'll be keeping an eye open

[Catherine]

Great shots, Louise!

The last time I saw as many as that together was in Basingstoke in early May. A small fir tree was COVERED with them - all colours and markings!

(Don't forget to report them to the Harlequin Survey folks when you have a mo'!)

Harlequin Ladybird Survey - home

[ladylouise62]

Yep, did that straight away, Catherine. It's a pity that there are so many but I don't think it's worth worrying - there isn't anything we can do about them