Harlequin Ladybird
I'm no sure if this is a Harlequin Ladybird - they have so many different markings - but I've sent a photograph to the Harlequin Ladybird Survey organisation so if it isn't a Harlequin presumably they'll let me know. I found this lone one floating in my pond and put him on a leaf to photograph - I think he must have drowned because he didn't move a all. I'd welcome it if anyone can definitely identify what type of ladybird I've blipped. Harlequin Ladybirds are a recent arrival to the UK. The first ones were seen in 2004 in parts of England and Wales, and have since spread to Ireland and Scotland. Another common name for this ladybird is the Multi-coloured Ladybug, because the markings of Harlequin Ladybirds are extremely variable. They're also known as the Asian Ladybird because they were introduced from Asia to Europe for the bio-control of aphids. Unfortunately they also have an appetite for our native ladybirds and many other invertebrates including butterflies and lacewings.
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