Harlequin Ladybird Variants

Thank you Sharon, I’ve never really bothered with ladybirds before, but life though the macro is like having new eyes, and to have so many variants of the same species on just a few plants is interesting to say the least.

I will send you a Bubblemail explaining,,, xx

Maybe that’s why they are so invasive.

Yes, they kept giving me two for the price of one. :-))

If you say so! :-s))

Thank you Rosedew.

Thank you for your interest Squealia. They don’t directly attack other ladybirds, but they will eat other ladybird eggs and also the eggs of moths and butterflies.

By not being so fussy about what they eat, they are a born survivor and will survive at the expense of other species purely by hogging the available resources.

For more information about the 26 species of ladybirds recognisable in Britain, and help in identifying them, visit the UK Ladybird Survey

On their home page, you will also find a link to the Harlequin Ladybird Survey which will give you more details of this hardy species that is spreading all over Europe.

Thank you Michele. It gave me a 24 hour nature lesson!

Thank you Debs. The multi spotted harlequins are everywhere, even on Redbubble! I had not seen the two spot or black ones before I started looking for them. You should find them any place where there is a large population of aphids.

Thank you Jlynn. Another pest I fear, unless you are plagued with aphids!

Thanks Sylvia, there are many more variations but I haven’t seen them yet!

Yes, I have seen their larvae eating 2 spotted ladybird eggs just after they were laid. Cannibal swines!

Thanks Nic, I have taken the hint!

Thank you Yool. I thought it was the easiest way to show a few varieties of the Harlequin.

Thank you Angel. :-))

Thank you Ellen, you comment is much appreciated even though my reply is late. :-))

Thank you PTCGirl. As there are usually more than one whenever I see these little critters, no wonder they are taking over the ladybird world. ;-)

Thank you Caroline. :-))

Thanks Ann, I think the variations of the same species of ladybird are amazing!

Thank you Francis. It is easy to see why they have become the most dominant species in Europe!

I have just spotted one Harlequin in the garden. There will be loads of them between now and August. Other species are now a rarer sight. :(