Nature Blog Network

less welcome resident?

This little chap was noticed on the lane this week, the first one spotted here. A harlequin ladybird, this is a relatively new resident, being first noted in the UK in 2004. Harlequins are predators of many small insects and other native UK ladybirds and their presence is threatening these species.

On the other hand, its haemolymph is said to be antimicrobial including being active against the TB pathogen and the malaria parasite.

harlequin ladybird thumbnail harlequin ladybirds thumbnail

There are three main harlequin variants, this is the succinea colour variant.

And dinner:

aphid thumbnail

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