The Harlequin Has Landed!

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Residents report an invasion of predatory ladybirds

Reports of local homes being invaded by ladybirds may sound like something from 'Tales of the Unexpected' but it is actually a growing problem for the entire South East of the country.

A resident of Chiswick reported that around 150 had taken up residence around her window frames, whilst another reported that her kitchen ceiling had been over-run by the creatures. But these are not just only ladybirds; they are harlequin ladybirds, Harmonia axyridis, the most invasive ladybird on Earth.

The harlequin ladybird was introduced to North America in 1988, where it is now the most widespread ladybird species on the continent. It has already invaded much of northwestern Europe, and arrived in Britain in summer 2004. The annual spread maps show that it has spread rapidly north and west from the southeast of England since its first sighting.

There are 46 species of ladybird (Coccinellidae) resident in Britain and the recent arrival of the harlequin ladybird has the potential to jeopardise many of these. The Harlequin Ladybird Survey will monitor its spread across Britain and assess its impact on native ladybirds.

Monitoring ladybirds across the country has never been more important and they want you to get involved. Please record your harlequin ladybird sightings here.

The report of the first year of the Harlequin Ladybird Survey is now available for download

October 21, 2007