Harlequin pupae - Safety in numbers

Bruce Williams · #1 (**permalink**) 22-07-2011, 11:09 AM

Well not large numbers but typically groups of two or three

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There are currently several hundred Harlequin ladybird pupae along a short stretch of the Great Ouse in Stony Stratford. While many are solitary a surprising number are in close groups of two or three. Now my thinking is that there must be some advantage in chosing to pupate next to an existing pupa (or pupae). Any thoughts?

Here's a couple of example pics:

Bruce

Hedera · #2 (**permalink**) 22-07-2011, 11:38 AM

Perhaps it makes them look like eyes to frighten predators?

Bruce Williams · #3 (**permalink**) 22-07-2011, 08:19 PM

Interesting idea Hedera.

I wondered if it might be to statistically improve their chances of NOT being taken by a predator or parasitised by (for example) a Phorid fly. If there are two of them then they (maybe) stand a 50:50 chance of not being the unlucky one selected.

Bruce