Images Dated 8th November 2005

Harlequin LADYBIRD - Range of colour morphs

SPH-3238
Harlequin LADYBIRD - Range of colour morphs
Harmonia axyridis
The Harlequin is a voracious predator and easily out competes our native ladybirds for food. This introduced alien threatens our 46 native ladybird species, as well as many other UK insects, including butterflies and lacewings. It comes in a range of patterns or colour variations (forms or morph). Originally from Asia, it was probably imported on flowers from Europe. The Harlequin problem started in North America, where they were thought to be an attractive biological control agent. H. axyridis is still being sold in the USA and continental Europe for pest control. It's numbers are increasing annually.
Steve Hopkin
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