Harlequin ladybirds Harmonia axyridis were first found in Durham in November 2009, feeding on ivy flowers near the entrance to Durham University Botanic Garden. On that occasion they were just nibbling harmlessly at the nectar on the surface of an ivy flower, but this is a carnivorous species that has been introduced into Britain and is spreading rapidly. It eats the eggs of many of our native insect species, including other ladybirds, moths and butterflies and could have a significant impact on native insect species biodiversity in Britain. The wing case colour patterns on the harlequin ladybird are astonishingly varied - the example above is the multi-spotted orange morph of the species. A national survey plotting the spread of this invasive species is currently underway and you can confirm identifications and record sightings on-line or by mobile phone by visiting http://www.harlequin-survey.org/default.htm#
Most of the specimens found so far in Durham have been of the red-spotted black form, shown above. The larval stages are larger than other ladybird larvae and have spines on their back. When they are ready to pupate they attach themslves to a leaf by their tail, as the example below has done.
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