Ladybirds are small, round or oval-shaped beetles in the family Coccinellidae. They are often brightly coloured with spots and are well-known for being beneficial insects in gardens because many prey on aphids and other plant pests.
Name: Harlequin Ladybird
Harmonia axyridis f. succinea
Description: An invasive species from Eastern Asia that is 8 - 10mm long. It is very variable markings. The form succinea is usually orange or red and has 0-21 black spots on its elytra (wing cases).
Habitat: Frequently found on oak and a range of other trees and shrubs. Became established in Britain during 2004 and has now become widespread across south-east England.
Name: Harlequin Ladybird
Harmonia axyridis f. conspicua
Description:
Form conspicua has a black background with two large red, orange or yellow spots or patches, one on each wing case.
Name: Harlequin Ladybird
Harmonia axyridis f. spectabilis
Description:
Form spectabilis
has black background with four red or orange spots or patches, two on each wing case.
Name: Harlequin Ladybird
Harmonia axyridis
Habitat: Harlequin Ladybirds sometimes enter buildings through cracks in window frames or gaps around doors when seeking shelter. As the weather cools during October and November the ladybirds get prepared for hibernation. This period of suspended development in insects known as diapause. Some species do this alone while others form large clusters in sheltered places. When the diapause ends with the warm spring weather they wake up to mate and egg lay. This picture shows several different forms.
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