Harlequin Larva

Paul Iddon

The harlequin ladybird (Harmonia axyridis) is invasive and destructive, introduced to the UK as a biological control, though their voracious appetite and the decline of the native ladybird has focused attention on them as a subject for control. Large numbers hibernate indoors and in wall cavities during cool winter weather, which doesn't help their cause.

Research on the contents of the guts of the harlequin larvae across Europe revealed the species, which mainly eats aphids, were also preying on other insects including 10-spot and 2-spot ladybirds. Once through the larval stage adult harlequins can have anything from 0 - 19 black spots which vary in size. If you find a black Harlequin it will usually have 4 red patches.

But even so, they will survive the winter in my garden (there were two almost together) - I don't like destroying any bugs...

This one is probably going to find a snug area deep in the mossy areas of what remains of my rockery...

Exif:
Copyright: Paul Iddon - A View of the UK
Camera: Canon EOS 70D
Lens: EF100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM
Exposure: Manual exposure, 1/250 sec, f/10, ISO 125













Paul.

e6filmuser

Good detail in the black areas.

Harold

Paul Iddon

Thanks Harold

Paul.

IPClark

Very nicely done mate. I find these things a nightmare to photograph.

Paul Iddon

IPClark wrote: »

Very nicely done mate. I find these things a nightmare to photograph.

I know what you mean Ian - those blacks are always problematic - but these came out OK.

Paul.

Lord Vetinari

Wonderful series Paul
Brian v.

Paul Iddon

Cheers Brian

Paul.