Ladybirds v Harlequins

[Hedera]

Someone mentioned recently they had seen more "proper" ladybirds; I found five of these today

but only one of these:

There's hope yet!

[glsammy]

Over the past year we've seen literally hundreds of 7 spot ladybirds and very few Harlequins. If I remember right there was a mass invasion last summer, perhaps many of these survived to help boost this years numbers.

[Africa]

Likewise in Hull this year. There are some Harlequins about, but 7 spots are everywhere in large numbers.

[Jason Green]

Afternoon all,

Same story here - they're fighting back!

Take care,

Jason

[Cordaline]

I have seen plenty of both here.
On Friday afternoon I had this one Harlequin on my recycling bin.
I've never seen one with a white face that is spotted before.

[aeshna5]

Originally Posted by Cordaline

I have seen plenty of both here.
On Friday afternoon I had this one Harlequin on my recycling bin.
I've never seen one with a white face that is spotted before.

It's not a Harlequin! It's our native Harmonia, H. 4-punctata, the Cream-streaked Ladybird, which is a pine specialist. Plenty of pines around Bracknell.

[Cordaline]

Originally Posted by aeshna5

It's not a Harlequin! It's our native Harmonia, H. 4-punctata, the Cream-streaked Ladybird, which is a pine specialist. Plenty of pines around Bracknell.

Thanks aeshna. That's a new one for me then.
Yes, plenty of pines very close to my house.

I didn't think it was a Harlequin but Adam told me it was.
Ticking off for him then!

[serendipity]

I was wondering where all the harlequins had gone i have seen only 4 or 5 all year but hundreds of 7 spots everywhere! Then yesterday i saw a few dozen pupae and larvae which were about to pupate on a wall!