The Harlequin Ladybird

The harlequin ladybird is relatively new to Britain and the most invasive ladybird!

It was introduced to North America in 1988, where it has become the most widespread ladybird species. Now it has invaded much of north western Europe, and it arrived in Britain in the summer of 2004 where it has spread rapidly north and west from the south east of England.

There are 46 species of ladybird (Coccinellidae) resident in Britain and the arrival of the harlequin ladybird is a major threat to many of these.

The Harlequin Ladybird Survey is monitoring the spread across Britain and assessing the impact on native ladybirds. To assist with monitoring, please record your sightings either:

• use the |Harlequin Ladybird Survey website
  
  
• or write to:
  Ladybird Research Group,
  University of Cambridge,
  219d Huntingdon Road,
  Cambridge, CB3 0DL

Recognition

The harlequin ladybird is also known as the Multicoloured Asian ladybird and the Halloween ladybird. It has a very variable appearance making it difficult to identify.

To help distinguish the harlequin ladybird from other native British ladybirds view the |Identification Guide for Harlequin Ladybird and Common British Ladybirds.