Accy cyclist
Legendary Member
- Location
- The hills of Accrington
Why are they bad and why/how should i 'deal' with them?🤔
They're still there by the way.
Insects !!!!!
- Thread starter ian emmerson
- Start date
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They're still there by the way.
Harlequin is a foreign invader:
RHS:
The problem
As with many other ladybirds, harlequin ladybird primarily feeds on aphids and so can be considered a useful addition to garden insect fauna. However, this ladybird will also feed on many other insects, including scale insects, eggs and larvae of butterflies and moths, other small insects including other ladybirds and it can be cannibalistic. There was a fear that the harlequin ladybird will out-compete some of the native aphid predators and lead to a decline in their numbers. Evidence in the UK so far is mixed with some native ladybirds showing no declines in the presence of the harlequin and others becoming less common; research is on-going. This is similar to the experience in parts of the USA where the harlequin ladybird was originally introduced from Japan as a biological control for aphids.
Harlequin ladybirds in buildings
Many species of ladybird like to overwinter in groups inside buildings, the harlequin his no exception, The appearance of large groups of this beetle can cause some concern. There is however, no danger associated with the presence of these ladybirds although they can exude a clear yellow liquid which may cause some staining to furnishings. Unfortunately it is not possible to discourage the ladybirds from entering buildings and they will either need to be captured and removed or tolerated.