Killer Ladybirds

[Chocky]

Have a look at this. I was looking up the Harlequin lady bird as I have found some yellow ones with white spots. and found this article.

The ladybird killers fly in
By David Derbyshire
Last Updated: 12:01am BST 05/10/2004



A deadly species of ladybird with the potential to wipe out half of Britain's native species has arrived in the country.

The voracious Harlequin, also known as the multi-coloured Asian ladybird, was discovered in a pub garden two weeks ago.


The common ladybird is in danger from the vicious Harlequin
The insects are larger, hungrier and more adaptable than their domestic rivals. If they become established, they could drive traditional species, such as the seven spot or two spot, to extinction within decades, scientists say.

Dr Michael Majerus, a ladybird specialist from Cambridge University's genetics department who identified the "odd-looking" Harlequin, said: "This is the ladybird I have least wanted to see here. Given its proximity in Holland, I knew it was on its way. But I hoped that it wouldn't be soon.

"Now many of our ladybirds will be in direct competition with this aggressively invasive species. Some will not cope."

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http://www.telegraph.co.uk/global/ma.../05/nins05.xml

[maureen]

Crumbs, only taken them three years to get from Essex to Devon, not good news.

[rolf]

Yes, that is quite a bleak thought, perhaps they should have acted a couple of years ago, will probably be too late now.

[Chocky]

Well we had a few last year and the year before but in the park here in Exmouth there are hundreds this year.
I didn't see the date on that article but they do have a problem and it is very aggressive

[ladylouise62]

One of the problems is that to the untrained eye they just look like native ladybirds. I'm not sure that I would recognise one even though I have read up on them a lot (I'm a bit of a gardener so it's been a hot topic for a couple of years).

[Chocky]

I agree there and it is so small . Much smaller than our regular native species.