Ladybirds clustering on kitchen walls

[Dillybythesea]

Our friends have lots of ladybirds (looked like harlequins) gathering in clusters at various points around their kitchen - and descending occasionally to give them a bite. I've done my best to sing the praises of ladybirds, and the honour of having them come to overwinter - but they seem determined to move them. If they do try to, what wld be the best approach, pls, in terms of making them safe and happy somewhere else?

[Dogghound]

These are harlequin ladybirds which often group up during the winter. With respect to harlequins being an invasive species its probably not worth worrying about how or where you get rid of them, I would probably destroy them, although it would make little impact on their population.

[Dillybythesea]

Oh well fair enough Dogghound. I see the point you're making. I'd want to save everything, but I guess that's unrealistic and I shld just let them do what they choose. ATB, Dill

[Dogghound]

Originally Posted by Dillybythesea

I'd want to save everything,

Sometimes you have to sacrifice something to save other things. However in the case of harlequins its probably a little late to squish them all.

[Paul mabbott]

There's advice and information on -
Harlequin Ladybirds
- and other threads.
Probably best to vacuum them up and empty the bag some distance away!

[Dillybythesea]

Thanks Paul. Does sound a solution! ATB, Dill

[Kreacha]

Originally Posted by Dillybythesea

and descending occasionally to give them a bite.

They bite?!!!

[Paul mabbott]

Originally Posted by Kreacha

They bite?!!!

Like most beetles they will have a nip in self-defence; also when they are starving, they will have a bite at anything they encounter to see if it's edible. This is very rare (it's only happened to me when I've clenched them into my fist) and it's not a strong bite - their mandibles aren't big or 'sharp' enough. Oddly, it's the native 7-spot which seems to do chomping trials most often!

[tristanba]

The Harlequins have really started to swarm here in north London with large numbers aggregating on the back of the house and attempting to get inside. I wonder if they produce a pheronome to co-ordinate this behaviour?

[Paul mabbott]

Originally Posted by tristanba

The Harlequins have really started to swarm here in north London with large numbers aggregating on the back of the house and attempting to get inside. I wonder if they produce a pheronome to co-ordinate this behaviour?

Most of the coccinellids appear to secrete an aggregation pheromone although it has been suggested that the pheromone is more important for year-on-year aggregation. Most of this years batch will have been born together, dispersed together, flown towards light vertical faces together - in effect aggregating by accident. However, next year the residual pheromone may be significant in attracting a new generation.

That's how it's supposed to work with with 2- and 7-spots and I don't see haxy being any different!