Harlequin's

[htcdude]

I thought I read somewhere on here recently that Harlequin Ladybirds have declined. Is this true?

In the last 2 weeks I've had 6 or 7 adults around the garden, twice as many nymphs and a a few in pupal stage. Seems like a good number just around my house!

Nige

[Paul mabbott]

It depends where you are! It's one of those occasions when some people jump to conclusions about populations hoing up or falling. For example, I've seen very few in my part of Sheffield so far this year but there are now lots of eggs and a few larvae .... I expect these will grow, lay more eggs and, by October there'll be thousands of them!

One way to find out would be for you to keep records - your neck of the woods isn't very well recorded!

[htcdude]

I will do, is there a national record-keeping website??

[Jackaroo]

harlequin ladybirds - Google Search

Hope that helps, cheers, Jack.

[Paul mabbott]

Originally Posted by htcdude

I will do, is there a national record-keeping website??

Yes but you might find it easier to send them to me by e-mail or p.m. - they'll get to the national computer soon enough but they'll get written up quicker by me!

[laetoli]

Are these four beasts all Harlequin Ladybird adults or larvae?
Thanks
Paul

[Geoff F]

Thanks for that link.

I found what I think must be a Harlequin today although it doesn't fit any of the 'regular colour forms'. Later, I will have a closer look at my photos.

Harlequins seem to be rather localised. I see from that site that they don't want samples from some areas where they are common, including where I live.

But, although I tend to specialise in hoverflies, I am out with my camera several days each week and record all insect life which I find; but this is only the second possible harlequin from 3 years of scouring a number of sites.

Anyway, if I am still uncertain tomorrow, I will ask for help.

[aeshna5]

I certainly saw some large numbers today at Chiswick in west London- there were adults (some newly emerged without their spots developed), pairs copulating, many pupae + larvae. These were mainly on nettles.

[wint]

I've seen many Harlequins over the last fortnight at Testwood Lakes NR (south hants) in nettles while looking for Scarce Chasers. There were also good numbers when I looked for dragonflies on Southampton Common recently.