Harlequin ladybirds how far north ?

gez · #1 (**permalink**) 28-10-2009, 09:30 AM

Hi all
I was reading in the metro parer on way to work that this ladybird has been found as far north as leeds!
At the wkend i was in my local graveyard & saw many of these poss 100. & this is in wallsend, ntheast which is more north than leeds!
So how far north have you found these?

I also saw many more types such as a rare larch ladybird etc, it was overall a fantastic few hrs out with my camera.
Took many pics which i uploaded into library images but i cant find them,
gez.

eucera · #2 (**permalink**) 28-10-2009, 10:16 AM

The Autumnwatch messageboarders suggested that specimens had been found in Orkney.... but I would not count this as gospel!!

Acutipuerilis · #3 (**permalink**) 28-10-2009, 10:29 AM

I believe sightings in at least southern Scotland are now quite common...

Jason Claxton · #4 (**permalink**) 28-10-2009, 10:33 AM

NBN maps show several records in Scotland,the Orkney one is thought to have been introduced accidentally as with a few others on produce etc.,but one day I guess that it will get there by its own.Records in Leeds fit the NBN map though,and it does not surprise me to hear that it is further north yet still.Thats all I know though.Jason

gez · #5 (**permalink**) 28-10-2009, 10:35 AM

thanks guys

stigofthedump · #6 (**permalink**) 28-10-2009, 10:56 AM

Hi Gez.

Was that Holy Cross Cemetery?

Cheers.

Vince

gez · #7 (**permalink**) 28-10-2009, 02:12 PM

hi vince no st peters, just of rosehill bank not the main church one!

stigofthedump · #8 (**permalink**) 28-10-2009, 03:39 PM

Cheers Gez, know where you are on about. I will have a gander over there at the weekend.

Vince

Paul mabbott · #9 (**permalink**) 30-10-2009, 10:20 AM

I saw Harmonia axyridis ('harlequin') in Jesmond Cemetery two years ago so this is hardly new!
Incidentally, Aphidecta obliterata, larch ladybird, is quite common but only if you look on larch!

Quote:

Originally Posted by gez

Hi all
I was reading in the metro parer on way to work that this ladybird has been found as far north as leeds!
At the wkend i was in my local graveyard & saw many of these poss 100. & this is in wallsend, ntheast which is more north than leeds!
So how far north have you found these?

I also saw many more types such as a rare larch ladybird etc, it was overall a fantastic few hrs out with my camera.
Took many pics which i uploaded into library images but i cant find them,
gez.

Paul mabbott · #10 (**permalink**) 30-10-2009, 07:55 PM

The maps at .....
Harlequin Ladybird Survey - home ..... should be the most up-to-date ones (they feed the NBN, fo instance).

Perhaps an opportune moment to note that data is still being sought for the forthcoming national atlas of ladybirds so please send your records, observations or specimens off to the national scheme or to your local recorder ....