Harlequin ladybirds favour the same habitats as 2-spot and 10-spot ladybirds – deciduous trees but they can be found feeding on aphids and other insects on many different plants including nettles. The harlequin ladybird is one of about 40 species of ladybird found in Britain and Ireland. Like many other ladybirds it is predatory. It has a preference to feed on aphids but will eat other insects.

From an evolutionary perspective, all aposematic ladybirds (those whose markings warn predators of a foul taste) should look the same, thereby giving a consistent message. Yet great variation exists, not only between species but between individuals of the same species. For outdoor use of the adult Ladybirds: they should be released from May to September. How Do I Apply The Ladybirds?Its spread to the UK from Europe was probably by accident since it was first found in large numbers around Eurostar rail stations, and it is now reputed to be the fastest spreading non-native species in Europe. It might come as a surprise to learn that there are 46 species of ladybird in the UK and 3,500 worldwide. Of our 46 three have been discovered in the last few years, the best known of these is the now infamous harlequin ladybird, first seen in 2004. Adult Ladybirds are best suited for application onto Aphid infested plants in confined spaces such as greenhouses, conservatories and polytunnels. The adult Ladybirds can be released outdoors but are difficult to apply directly to specific infestations as they are winged and can fly away. Ladybird larvae, which are not winged at this stage of their life cycle, are easier to use for outdoor infestations, as the larvae will stay in one place. What Conditions Do The Ladybirds Require? Kidney-spot ladybirds are closely related to pine ladybirds and have a similar overall shape but with only one red spot, centrally placed, on each wing case. This species can be found on many deciduous trees but is commonly associated with ash trees and can be easily observed when foraging for scale insects on the trunk or branches of ash trees. Ladybirds are adaptable to several different environments, such as grasslands, cities, forests, suburbs and rivers. They are most active during spring and summer when they can be seen wandering between plants, but in the colder months, they’re in search of somewhere warm to hibernate, meaning that they often end up inside houses. They like to group together too, which can make for a rather alarming sight when they are discovered by homeowners!

spot ladybirds are often found in deciduous trees where they feed on aphids. They are also found in a similar range of habitats to the 2-spot ladybird but less commonly. This Ladybird House is designed to simulate the natural habitat sought by ladybirds for hibernation helping more of these beneficial insects survive the winter. Position a Ladybird House in your garden to encourage ladybirds to feed, breed and over-winter in your garden leading to a permanent increase in the number of these beneficial insects. Harlequin ladybird pupa like other ladybird pupa is immobile and can often be found attached to plants. It is rotund and about 8mm in diameter. The pupae are dark in colour with some orange/red markings and very similar to the pupa of thenative seven spot ladybird.To reverse the damage we've done and protect the future, we need the knowledge that comes from scientific discovery. Understanding and protecting life on our planet is the greatest scientific challenge of our age. And you can help. An adult ladybird lays 20 to 50 eggs a day. The eggs are a yellowish, orange-like colour. The duration of the hatching normally takes 4 to 8 days depending on the climate. After the hatching, the larvae will seek aphids immediately. The brown colour of the wing cases of the cream-spot ladybird deepen from orange to chestnut brown over time. Indeed it can be confused with the orange ladybird but the cream-spot has spots organised in rows. Ladybirds can deter certain predators from eating them due to a foul odour which has toxic effects, but they are not poisonous to humans.