Harlequin ladybird Pupa

[Lord V]

Pupa of the harlequin ladybird seem to raise themselves vertically in the sun but go horizontal when disturbed. The flash from my camera was enough to disturb this one.

2 shot animation

Brian V.

Linked with permission

[Scarlet Pimpernel]

Horrible looking things arn't they....found hundreds on friday/saturday.

[asheleaf]

Originally Posted by Lord V

Pupa of the harlequin ladybird seem to raise themselves vertically in the sun but go horizontal when disturbed. The flash from my camera was enough to disturb this one.

2 shot animation

Brian V.

Linked with permission

thats great, well done brian

[Paul mabbott]

Nice sequence.
This isn't just confined to Harmonia axyridis. The flicking reaction, triggered by touch, shadow or even sound (perhaps) is common to all members of the Coccellini - the 2-spot and 7-spot, for instance, do it.

The deterrent effect must be significant or the reflex would not have persevered but it seems to be most effective against parasitoid wasps/flies which are (apparently) easily disturbed when trying to lay eggs into ladybird pupae.

Could account for why the sessile pupae of chilochorines such as the pine and kidney-spot ladybirds seem to be more prone to attack by parasitoids.

[Lord V]

Thanks for the comments and information
Brian V.