Friend or Foe?

[skarloey]

2 and 7 spots I'm aware of but how many does this chap have???



And what about these two? Any ideas?

[andy]

Both friends.....the second picture looks like the juvenille ladybird changing into an adult

[skarloey]

I just had a google. Is the first picture a Harlequin Ladybird??

I then went and had another look for it and found it making ladybird love to one of the other chaps!!!!!!!!!!!!!


;D

[skarloey]

Thanks Andy, it didn't occur to me to be a baby ladybird but you're spot on!!! ;D

[Deleted]

Just to say that i emailed the ladybird survey asking what action should be taken if we happen across them....this is their reply.

We do not recommend killing any ladybirds and although this is partly because of the risk of native species being misidentified as harlequins, also any that are killed will unfortunately make very little difference to the population.

Unfortunately there is currently no effective control method that will only target harlequins. However, research is being done to try and develop one (possibly using a pheromone that only attracts this species).

[beanie]

interesting site about ladybirds. apparently the harlequin is bigger than the native one

[Shrubrose]

After many years of little or no ladybirds of any description, I've found quite a few this year. They are definitely our native ladies being very small. However, they dont seem at all interested in aphids. The said aphids have appeared in abundance and I have 'helped' the ladies get acquainted. But, mind bogglingly, they have not been at all interested. They could of course already have feasted but I wish they'd get on and do their stuff.

Shrub.