Species of the Month November 2021

Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis)

 

An Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS), Harlequin Ladybird first arrived in the UK in 2004 and has rapidly spread throughout the country. It originated in Asia, and is believed to potentially be impacting numbers of our 46 native species of ladybird.

Harlequin Ladybirds come in many different colour forms and patterns, which can make identification a little difficult. Three of the more common colour forms are illustrated above (see others here). At 5-8mm long, the species is noticeably larger than most native species, and has a highly domed shape. The brown legs and the solid black and white pattern on the pronotum can also be helpful pointers for identification.

If you are unsure which ladybird species you have found, you can send a photo to info@sewbrec.org.uk to double check. You can find more images and information from the UK Ladybird Survey and NatureSpot.

Harlequin Ladybirds are present throughout south east Wales, and we hold 2130 records at SEWBReC (view the Welsh distribution map on Aderyn). The species overwinters in large groups, so may be spotted congregating on windowsills in domestic dwellings and other suitable buildings during late autumn (shown below).

If you spot Harlequin Ladybird during November (or at any other time of year), please send us the record, ideally via  SEWBReCORD or the LERC Wales App. Instructions on how to submit records are available here.