The traditional 7 spot ladybird is under threat from a foreign invader.
The Harlequin Ladybird
A new ladybird has arrived in Britain. But not just any ladybird: this is the harlequin ladybird, 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 of northwestern Europe, and arrived in Britain in summer 2004.
The distribution map on the left shows that it has spread rapidly throughout 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.
Tags: nature
