Harmonia axyridis, Harlequin Ladybird

Common Name: Harlequin Ladybird

Harmonia axyridis, more commonly known as the Harlequin Ladybird, was originally a native of Asia. It was introduced into North America in 1988 to control native pests, where it is now the most widespread and abundant ladybird on the continent. In Europe, the Harlequin spread naturally across the continent, finally arriving in Britain in the summer of 2004.

It comes in a multitude of variations of colour and markings, but the commonest versions in the UK are orange with 15-21 black spots and black with two or four orange or red spots. The pronotum is usually white or cream with up to 5 spots or fused lateral spots forming 2 curved lines, M-shaped mark or a solid trapezoid.

Harlequin ladybirds feed most commonly on aphids, but have a wide food range, also feeding on scale insects, the eggs and larvae of butterflies and moths, many other small insects, including other ladybirds, pollen, nectar, and sugary fluids, including honeydew and the juice from ripe fruits.

https://www.uknature.co.uk is a website dedicated to showing the immense diversity of UK nature and wildlife. Our vast range of habitats, from lowland arable to snow covered mountains, from storm-ravaged coastlines to peaceful inland freshwater lakes and rivers, from dry, sandy heaths to deciduous and coniferous forests, all these habitats contribute to the abundance of UK nature. We have wild birds in huge numbers either residing or visiting our shores (597 recorded species as at July 2013) and we must also not forget the humble back garden with its grass lawns, flower beds filled with nectar rich flowers, shrubs and trees, all designed to attract huge numbers of insects such as bees, moths, butterflies and hoverflies; and finally the small ponds which provide safe havens for frogs, toads, newts and even slow worms and grass snakes. www.uknature.co.uk is the showcase for my personal passion, photographing uknature in all its glory. I sincerely hope you all enjoy the fruits of my labours.