bug id please

[mrbright]

it measures about 6mm

[ladyhawk]

Ladybird larva Harleqin i think

[mrbright]

many thanks ladyhawk, googled it and your right , well ive learnt something today.

[TeresaW]

I was hoping that the harsh winter would have brought the numbers of harlequins down this year, but it seems not, judging by the numbers of larvae I've seen in the last few days. So be ready for another huge invasion in the house in the autumn.

[Paul mabbott]

Originally Posted by TeresaW

I was hoping that the harsh winter would have brought the numbers of harlequins down this year, but it seems not, judging by the numbers of larvae I've seen in the last few days. So be ready for another huge invasion in the house in the autumn.

Same here - hundreds out and about yesterday although there seem to be very few aphids left so the larvae were eating each other. Another thing is that lots of the pupae are very small (not just H. axyridis but Adalia & Calvia too) so perhaps they won't develop properly?

[TeresaW]

Am I right in thinking that these harlequins are late starters? I don't see any adults though there are plenty of our own ladybirds around? Maybe the later growth cycle gives our own a fighting chance in their own territory?

[mrbright]

my garden has been full of halequins for nigh on 3 weeks now, have only seen 1 or 2 traditional ladybirds unfortunately.