The Harlequin Ladybird has landed!
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.
Picture credit: Spacebirdy
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 northwestern Europe, and arrived in Britain in summer 2004.
You phone is just one way you can get involved with the harlequin ladybird survey.
As ladybirds crawl into our homes for the winter, scientists have called for more photos to be sent in to the UK Ladybird Survey to help track the harlequin ladybird invasion. This invasive alien species is a potential threat to Britain’s native ladybirds and wider biodiversity. Scientists at the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (CEH) have started a mobile phone recording scheme which allows on-the-spot recording and will hopefully encourage more children to get involved in science.
Contribute to the ladybird survey