Normski4ash - Macro Photography

Harmonia axyridis

This is an alien species which first appeared in the UK only in 2004 but has now spread across much of southern England and into the Midlands. There are numerous colour and pattern forms but it is generally a larger species than most of our native ladybirds, around 8 mm long, with a dome-shape. There are three main forms of the Harlequin -succinea, spectabilis and conspicua. However, each of these three forms show large amounts of variation within them.

 

How to identify

The Harlequin has the ability to live in diverse habitats. It is most commonly found on deciduous trees, such as Willow, Sycamore and Maple, and on low growing plants such as Nettles. It can disperse easily, hence its rapid spread over Britain.