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Description: A species native to Asia, it was introduced into North America in 1988 to control native pests, and where it is now the most widespread and abundant ladybird on the continent. Meanwhile, in Europe, the Harlequin spread naturally across the continent, finally arriving in Britain in the summer of 2004. It comes in a multitude of variations of colour and markings, but the commonest versions in the UK are orange with 15-21 black spots and black with two or four orange or red spots. The pronotum is usually white or cream with up to 5 spots or fused lateral spots forming 2 curved lines, M-shaped mark or a solid trapezoid.
Food: Harlequin ladybirds feed most commonly on aphids, but have a wide food range, also feeding on scale insects, adelgids, the eggs and larvae of butterflies and moths, many other small insects, including other ladybirds, pollen, nectar, and sugary fluids, including honeydew and the juice from ripe fruits.
Habitat and range: Harlequin ladybirds have strong dispersal capabilities and can be found in many places. Most commonly found on deciduous trees, such as lime, sycamore and maple, and on low growing plants such as nettles. Will also inhabit reedbeds, coniferous woodland and crop systems. |