Ladybird for ID

[PeterD]

Is this the eyed ladybird?


Click here for larger image.

Thank you

[JRsbugs]

It's one of the variations of the Harlequin, Harmonia axyridis.

Janet

[PeterD]

Originally Posted by JRsbugs

It's one of the variations of the Harlequin, Harmonia axyridis.

Janet

Thanks Janet

The legs are black and brown - those pesky Harlequins again

Where do the Harlequins oiginate from? Why do they have so many forms that they seem to mimmick our own ladybird species?

[aeshna5]

Hi Peter, your Harlequin is the melanic form known as spectabilis.

They originate from eastern Europe + were introduced to North America + Europe as a biological control. They first arrived in south-east England in 2004 from the continent.

I've certainly seen fewer this year + have seen plenty of other ladybird species; thoogh not many 2-spots.

I can't answer your question as to why their are so many colour forms of this species, but there have been many threads on this species + Paul Mabbott has answered many queries on them. May be worth looking up some of these threads.

[PeterD]

Originally Posted by aeshna5

Hi Peter, your Harlequin is the melanic form known as spectabilis.

They originate from eastern Europe + were introduced to North America + Europe as a biological control. They first arrived in south-east England in 2004 from the continent.

I've certainly seen fewer this year + have seen plenty of other ladybird species; thoogh not many 2-spots.

I can't answer your question as to why their are so many colour forms of this species, but there have been many threads on this species + Paul Mabbott has answered many queries on them. May be worth looking up some of these threads.

Thanks for updating me about this species. I shall look up some of the threads as you have suggested.

[Paul mabbott]

The species original rane was most of East Asia: Siberia to Japan to southern China. It has been transported by humans and is now well established in Europe and North America.

It used to be called the Asian multivariate ladybird but people have given it numerous other names including 'Hallowe'en ladybird' ecause it becomes prominent at this time of year.

It's probably not as variable as the native 2-spot ladybird (Adalia bipunctata) or even the 10-spot (A. decempunctata) - it just appears that way because they are more numerous!

I don't think that mimicry is involved in the patterning - red (or yellow) and black are common warning patterns in many ladybirds as well as other beetles (and other insects, reptiles, amphibians &c &c)!

[PeterD]

Originally Posted by Paul mabbott

The species original rane was most of East Asia: Siberia to Japan to southern China. It has been transported by humans and is now well established in Europe and North America.

It used to be called the Asian multivariate ladybird but people have given it numerous other names including 'Hallowe'en ladybird' ecause it becomes prominent at this time of year.

It's probably not as variable as the native 2-spot ladybird (Adalia bipunctata) or even the 10-spot (A. decempunctata) - it just appears that way because they are more numerous!

I don't think that mimicry is involved in the patterning - red (or yellow) and black are common warning patterns in many ladybirds as well as other beetles (and other insects, reptiles, amphibians &c &c)!

Thank you Paul for adding more to aeshna5's comments.
I suppose, when you think about it, when two seperately evolved and distinct families of animals appear in the same environment, they will cause confusion. Size seems the biggest factor as leg colour and markings cannot always be relied upon to a person like me

[JRsbugs]

Peter, there is one little trick which you can look for to separate this from look-alikes. Look at the elytra on the downward back slope, you will see a small 'ledge' protruding on boths sides. I had one this year which really did look more like a 10-spot than anything, but it had those little bumps!

[PeterD]

Originally Posted by JRsbugs

Peter, there is one little trick which you can look for to separate this from look-alikes. Look at the elytra on the downward back slope, you will see a small 'ledge' protruding on boths sides. I had one this year which really did look more like a 10-spot than anything, but it had those little bumps!

Thanks Janet. I shall have a look through some of my images.

[aeshna5]

Originally Posted by PeterD

Thanks for updating me about this species. I shall look up some of the threads as you have suggested.

I should have written from eastern Asia not eastern Europe (fingers not typing what the head says!)