Cannibalism - Harlequin ladybird larvae

[Bruce Williams]

Stony Stratford, Bucks.

I have witnessed Harlequin ladybird larva eating other Harlequin larva on several occasions this year. I thought some of you might be interested to see a photo of this cannibalistic behaviour. In this instance I'm pretty sure the victim was in its pre-pupal stage. This one is in its final larval instar and is a pretty messy eater as its head is covered in its victim's juices.

The pre-pupal stage occurs at the end of the fourth (and final) larval instar when the larva stops eating and attaches the end of its abdomen (with sticky silk pad) to a leaf, twig (or any convenient surface) and takes up a hunched up, head down posture in preparation for pupation. It is typically like this for between one to two days and is clearly more vulnerable than in the active larval stage or the armoured pupal stage.



Bruce

[Farplace]

Nice capture bruce. thanks for sharing.

[aeshna5]

Interesting photo Bruce!

[Anzu]

Very interesting, and a nice photo! Do you think this cannibalism happens in the larval form of all of the ladybird species?

[Bruce Williams]

Thanks Anzu.

Well the Harlequin seems to be particularly prone to cannibalism. They also eat the larvae and pupae of other ladybird species (may also eat the eggs but I've not witnessed this).

I've seen Harlequin larva eating other Harlequin larvae, pre-pupae and pupae. I've also seen (and photographed) the adult Harlequin ladybird eating Harlequin pupae and I have a pic of two Harlequin larvae tucking into the same 7-spot larva.

Based on various reading I'm pretty sure that in the absence of their normal prey food most of the carniverous ladybird species will eat any available ladybird eggs, larvae or pupae.

Bruce

[N0z]

nice picture and i got these all over stinging nettles in my garden , will frogs, toads or newts eat them ?

[Bruce Williams]

Sorry but not sure about that NOz. Thanks for your comment .

Bruce

[Dogghound]

Originally Posted by N0z

nice picture and i got these all over stinging nettles in my garden , will frogs, toads or newts eat them ?

Yes, all three will eat them, although they are unlikely to make up a significant portion of their diets.

[N0z]

Originally Posted by Dogghound

Yes, all three will eat them, although they are unlikely to make up a significant portion of their diets.

ahh i see, thanks