Where have you been?

This wasn't my intended blip for today. A much more significant sighting of a seven-spot ladybird in the garden has taken precedence. This is the first 'red' ladybird I have seen this year, there should a lot more around right now. Many people are worried about the lack of these, especially the native species, having already been threatened over recent years by the foreign Harlequin invaders. Interestingly, the Harlequins also seem to have disappeared. It's possible recent erratic weather patterns have had a part to play, combined with other environmental factors. Nonetheless I was very glad to add this to ladybird-survey.org 's records, thanks to friend Catherine for the reminder.