Ladybirds have been very much in evidence over the last month, mostly crowded on to the blackcurrant bushes which they seem to like particularly. We have been quite concerned about the continuing increase in the population of the non-native Harlequin ladybirds (Harmonia axyridis); they over-winter inside in great numbers, and seem to have driven out the native ones from the cracks in our metal window frames. There has also been something of a plague of them at my print studio over the winter. Early in April, there seemed to be roughly equal numbers of Harlequins and Seven-spots, and a good number of two spots. Now I can mostly find Harlequins which seem to have a longer breeding period. There are fears that they will have a negative impact on native species by out-competing them.
Ten Spot Ladybird
Two and Seven-spot ladybirds
No comments:
Post a Comment