A new species of ladybird has been found in the UK: the Harlequin lady bird. According to Dr Micheal Majerus of Cambridge University this new species of ladybird which originates from Asia poses a deadly threat to butterflies, lacewings and ladybirds.
“This is without doubt the ladybird I have least wanted to see here. I knew it was on its way, but I hoped that it wouldn't be so soon. Now many of our ladybirds will be in direct competition with this aggressively invasive species, and some will simply not cope." Said Dr Majerus
Common species such as ladybirds, lacewings, butterflies and other insects native to the UK are being affected because, it is eating all the food for these insects and eating common ladybirds, lacewing larvae and butterfly eggs as secondary food.
They also feed on fruit juices and fruit growers are finding that many of their crops are being blemished by the harlequins and therefore reduced in value.
It is sold in America as a pest control but has taken over and is now the most common ladybird in America and has caused a serious decline in native ladybirds.
These harlequins are slightly larger than common ladybirds and come in a variety of colors.
"It is critical to monitor this ladybird now, before it gets out of control and starts to annihilate our own British ladybirds," said Dr Majerus.
Two examples of harlequin ladybirds! Hope you enjoyed the read!
