Bug Question

bagpuss
Deputy Head Gardener

Posts: 1,783

Bug Question May 29, 2008 12:44:34 GMT

Quote

Post by bagpuss on May 29, 2008 12:44:34 GMT

Rather a strange question, but wondered whether anyone might be able to help identify a strange bug which seems to be invading the ladies' room at work.

I am afraid I can only describe it to you, so here goes:

They are about 1 cm long. They have approximately 6 legs at about their middle, just behind their legs, there is an orange square shape on its back, and they look slightly bristly and they can't fly.

Anyone got any ideas?

Tig Admin Garden Sage Posts: 42,793	Bug Question May 29, 2008 13:50:26 GMT Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by Tig on May 29, 2008 13:50:26 GMT Sound like something that has just hatched? I will have a look in my books, but nothing springs to mind x Tig
	Twixt optimist and pessimist the difference is droll, the optimist sees the doughnut whilst the pessimist sees the hole

bagpuss Deputy Head Gardener Posts: 1,783	Bug Question May 29, 2008 16:45:16 GMT Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by bagpuss on May 29, 2008 16:45:16 GMT Thanks Tig I have managed to find a picture on google (albeit it is a bit fuzzy), and someone seems to mention that they think it is ladybird larvae www.wildaboutbritain.co.uk/forums/insects/18637-black-and-orange-bug-please.html

Ruthie Head Gardener Posts: 3,452	Bug Question May 29, 2008 16:53:29 GMT Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by Ruthie on May 29, 2008 16:53:29 GMT Yep, Ladybird lavae it is. If there's anyone who can pick them up (very gently) and put them outside on a rose bush or something else which is infested with aphids they will eat them and both the bug and the plant will benefit!!!
	Have a look at my art website! ruthmannpastelart.com/

Amo Head Gardener You can take me out of my garden but you can't take my garden out of me. Posts: 3,940	Bug Question May 29, 2008 18:28:39 GMT Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by Amo on May 29, 2008 18:28:39 GMT That has got to be your bestest friend ever in the garden!! Don't destroy it!!!!!!

Tig
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Garden Sage

Posts: 42,793

Bug Question May 29, 2008 19:21:13 GMT

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Post by Tig on May 29, 2008 19:21:13 GMT

Not if it's a harlequin larvae!! I believe there is some evidence that they are harmful to our domestic ladybird population (bit like what the grey squirrel did to our native red!!

)

You should report your sighting here bagpuss (and I personally I wouldn't put them on my roses or anywhere else in my garden!)

www.harlequin-survey.org/recognition_and_distinction.htm

x Tig

Twixt optimist and pessimist the difference is droll, the optimist sees the doughnut whilst the pessimist sees the hole

Amo Head Gardener You can take me out of my garden but you can't take my garden out of me. Posts: 3,940	Bug Question May 29, 2008 19:39:55 GMT Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by Amo on May 29, 2008 19:39:55 GMT I have just looked at the 2 lavea side by side. How on Earth are you supposed to tell them apart at that stage???

Tig Admin Garden Sage Posts: 42,793	Bug Question May 29, 2008 19:56:23 GMT Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by Tig on May 29, 2008 19:56:23 GMT I haven't seen the native one with such a defined square Amo, usually just specs of orange on the sides? x Tig
	Twixt optimist and pessimist the difference is droll, the optimist sees the doughnut whilst the pessimist sees the hole

Amo Head Gardener You can take me out of my garden but you can't take my garden out of me. Posts: 3,940	Bug Question May 29, 2008 20:27:01 GMT Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by Amo on May 29, 2008 20:27:01 GMT It, the harlequin, does look slightly narrower too. Is there a length difference?

Tig Admin Garden Sage Posts: 42,793	Bug Question May 29, 2008 22:41:46 GMT Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by Tig on May 29, 2008 22:41:46 GMT I suppose it depends on the stage of development Here is a link to the RHS info .. www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profiles0108/harlequinladybird.asp x Tig
	Twixt optimist and pessimist the difference is droll, the optimist sees the doughnut whilst the pessimist sees the hole

bagpuss Deputy Head Gardener Posts: 1,783	Bug Question May 30, 2008 8:58:28 GMT Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by bagpuss on May 30, 2008 8:58:28 GMT Many thanks all. I'm now wondering why on earth they are invading the ladies room in the office, and where they have come from as there isn't really any garden that close to the building!