Harlequin Larvae in Scotland

[Cheryl]

I read in the paper yesterday that Harlequin Beetle larvae had been found in Glasgow and as there have been very view sightings of these in Scotland it would seem they are now breeding there

I'm wondering what if anything is being done about this pest.

I've googled it and have found this report about the finding but nothing about what, if any,action is being taken

BBC News - 'Killer' Harlequin ladybird is breeding in Scotland

Sad irony is that it was introduced as a pest control and now it would appear to be a major pest

[Jason Green]

Evening Cheryl,

Yes, I think I heard about this a while ago.

Originally Posted by Cheryl

Sad irony is that it was introduced as a pest control and now it would appear to be a major pest

Really? Who'd introduce a Harlequin into another part of the UK when surely they've seen it's rapid spread already?! I think it was found on the Scottish borders a while ago as a larvae so would/has arrived under it's own steam anyway I suppose.

I don't really know if it's quite as bad as it was thought to be back in 2005/6 to be honest. I've seen great numbers of the Seven Spot locally, with just a few Harlequins around. I've seen less Harlequins this year than I did last, actually! As for action, I don't think any is available or endorsed. I think the best thing we can do is report sightings to the Harlequin Recording Scheme - Harlequin Ladybird Survey - home to help monitor it.

Anyway, thanks for posting

Take care,

Jason

[Cheryl]

Originally Posted by Jason Green

Evening Cheryl,

Yes, I think I heard about this a while ago.



Really? Who'd introduce a Harlequin into another part of the UK when surely they've seen it's rapid spread already?! I think it was found on the Scottish borders a while ago as a larvae so would/has arrived under it's own steam anyway I suppose.

I don't really know if it's quite as bad as it was thought to be back in 2005/6 to be honest. I've seen great numbers of the Seven Spot locally, with just a few Harlequins around. I've seen less Harlequins this year than I did last, actually! As for action, I don't think any is available or endorsed. I think the best thing we can do is report sightings to the Harlequin Recording Scheme - Harlequin Ladybird Survey - home to help monitor it.

Anyway, thanks for posting

Take care,

Jason

Sorry Jason - I was just commenting on something I had read that larvae had been found in Glasgow, thereby assuming it is spreading Northwards - the link I posted indicated that the Harlequin had orignally been introduced in the Western Europe in the 1980s as a biological pest control which was what I was reffering to so I wasn't suggesting anyone had introduced it to Scotland in this instance.

I realise that sightings are encouraged to be recorded I just wondered what if anything was actually be doing about the "problem"

[Toby]

Easily the most common ladybird in my neck of the woods (SW London) and still very active, saw hundreds by the Thames this week. Jury is still out on what impact they may have but I hope the native species are not affected.

[Paul mabbott]

Just a reminder that observations of all ladybird species are urgently needed - Ladybird Atlas of the British Isles
Thanks to all who have sent records in and it's not too late yet!