Harlequin Ladybird - pest to the british variety

LjMaxx, 2 months ago

I had no idea what they looked like this close up… Magnificent EyeStrange… WoW! Perfect right down to those tiny little claws… Super!... ...

Paul Gibbons, 2 months ago

Brilliant macro, amazing detail.

jesika, 2 months ago

It’s a stunning image, Pat, but it’s the Harlequin invader ladybird.
In only three years, it has reached Scotland. It’s season is longer than native ladybirds, it’s cannibalistic, eating smaller ladybirds, their eggs & larvae as well as the eggs of butterflies, moths and other insects.
Please google Ladybird Survey for details of how to let Cambridge Uni know where & when you saw this beastie, all information is very important to their research.
They were deliberately introduced in USA about 20 years ago as a biological “insecticide” and now account for at least 20% of ladybirds.
I’m so sorry, it’s a wonderful picture of a terrible subject.
j

jesika, 2 months ago

Sorry, it should be Harlequin Survey. Every ladybird I see is now very carefully scrutinised. So far I’ve seen 2 in different colour modes this year. The good news is I’ve seen several natives.
jx

eyestrange in reply to jesika’s comment, 2 months ago

hiya J – I have heard of the harlequin and they do say its very hard to ID but I believe the english as 7 spots but then I have seen 2 spots up to numerous spots – they did advise on gardeners world not to destroy as we could get it wrong and damage the native ladybird – I will play it safe for now but we have all varieties in the garden including yellow 7 spot and 2 spot :)
I am gonna read up more on this – thanks for the heads up hun.

Pat x

jesika, 2 months ago

I think we have 42 species ranging from VERY, VERY tiny (2.5 mm) to 7 spot size. Harlequin tends to be about the same size as 7 spot but he’s a master of disguise! He also usually has brown legs, just like your little poser!
We have red, yellow, orange, black, brick red or brown ladybirds. The number of spots varies between 0 -22. It’s hard identifying , but any information is greatly valued and they are nice people to deal with.
jx

lareejc, 2 months ago

wow! great close-up eyestrange! I thought all ladybugs were ok; or is there a difference between ladybugs and ladybirds? I’ve been trying to capture some macro shots of ladybugs here at my work. I’ll upload a couple good ones (if I’m not too embarrassed at how ‘less cool’ than your macro shots!). I didn’t know they had claws like that! You know, now that I look at this guy closer I think my shots are of a different kind..we’ll see.

frogster, 2 months ago

Great catch on this

eyestrange in reply to jesika’s comment, 2 months ago

I will deff get in touch and let them know but also I will try and get shots that are full bodied so they can ID them – its amazing how many diff types of all insects there are and I am just a novice – great heads up lass and I will deff follow it up

Pat x

eyestrange in reply to lareejc’s comment, 2 months ago

I think ladybugs and lady birds are the same Iareejc and please post your shots – I love to see insects :)

eyestrange in reply to frogster’s comment, 2 months ago

thankyou so much frogster friend :)

Rosina Lamberti, 2 months ago

Wonderful work!

lance leopold, 2 months ago

Great shot!!!!

Deidre Cripwell, 2 months ago

Beautiful macro shot

Plukie, 2 months ago

Wow, I didn’t know there were so many ladybirds. Good and bad ones as well!! That is a stunning photo Pat, I love ladybirds and I’ve never seen one so close, so thanks for that. I hope this isn’t too much of a “thug bug”

eyestrange in reply to Plukie’s comment, 2 months ago

cheers hun – he looks a bit of a thug tho lass :)

Lucindawind, 2 months ago

these ones bite I believe .. wonderful shot

eyestrange in reply to Lucindawind’s comment, 2 months ago

now you tell me :( another deadly lethal insect to run away from screaming ;)

pinkyjain, 2 months ago

Gorgeous, such a stunning closeup, outstanding Pat

eXposure, 2 months ago

amazing detailed capture …
beautiful!

Sandy Stewart, about 1 month ago

Oh my,.....so much amazing detail in the face area and those eyes!!! Very nicely taken!

John Hooton, about 1 month ago

I found one of these indoors and reported it to the ladybird survey in 2006. Getting such a villainous look in this little pest is a stroke of genius!