Harlequin Decline

Dogghound · #1 (**permalink**) 09-09-2010, 06:33 PM

Anyone else noticing this? Here the harlequin numbers are down massively to the extent that I have found just one larvae in the last two weeks. I have checked several local populations and nothing. There are loads of 7 spots too.

Hopefully others have noticed this.

Susie · #2 (**permalink**) 09-09-2010, 06:36 PM

I have noticed that this year the number of harlequins seems to have settled down and is no where as high as it was last year. Also I am seeing plenty of seven spots which weren't around in great numbers last year.

slimrbp · #3 (**permalink**) 09-09-2010, 06:36 PM

Funnily enough I was thinking the same, early on in spring all I found in the garden were harlequins then they seemed to disappear.
Recently all I have been finding mostly are 7 spots.

shenk1 · #4 (**permalink**) 09-09-2010, 06:39 PM

Seen loads of 7 spots in different areas of Yorkshire plus 2 spot but no Harlequin noticed as yet.
The gardens behind the houses we've been to today in Brough (Hull) were full of nettles with what seemed like 1 7 spot per plant

aeshna5 · #5 (**permalink**) 10-09-2010, 04:26 AM

I'm only seeing a few individuals at the moment, but certainly around me (London area) often see lots flying in sunshine October/early Nov as they look for somewhere to overwinter. Will wait + see what happens.

Certainly the numers seemed to have been fairly stable over last 3 years or so + over that period 7-spots have been doing well. As you say plenty of the latter currently.