Wild Wednesday - Asian Lady Beetle
At first glance, the Asian Lady Beetle, also known as the Harlequin ladybird, scientific name, Harmonia axyridis, looks much like our familiar native ladybirds, but this colourful insect has quite a story to tell. Originally from eastern Asia, it was first recorded in the UK in 2004 and has since become one of the country's most widespread ladybird species.
A ladybird of many colours
One of the reasons the Harlequin ladybird is so fascinating is its incredible variety. It can be orange, red, yellow or black, with anything from no spots to more than 20. A helpful way to identify it is by the distinctive black 'M' or 'W' shaped marking on the area just behind its head.
Friend or foe?
Like our native ladybirds, Harlequins feed on aphids (a very small, soft-bodied insect that feeds on plant sap and can damage garden plants and crops) and other garden pests, making them beneficial to farmers and gardeners. However, they are also considered an invasive non-native species because they compete with native ladybirds for food and can even eat the eggs and larvae of other ladybird species.
Did you know?
This ladybird is often nicknamed the 'Halloween ladybird' because it gathers in large numbers during autumn. As temperatures drop, they can sometimes be found clustering on sunny walls, around windows and occasionally inside homes, where they seek shelter for the winter.
West Sussex
Harlequin ladybirds are well established across Sussex and are regularly recorded throughout the county. They are particularly common in gardens, parks and urban areas. Sussex wildlife organisations have reported periodic increases in sightings, especially during warm autumn weather when large groups can suddenly appear.
Keep an eye out
Next time you're in the garden, on a woodland walk or enjoying one of West Sussex's green spaces, take a closer look at any ladybirds you spot. If it has an unusual colour pattern or that distinctive "M" marking behind its head, you may have found an Asian Lady Beetle.
Despite its invasive status, it's a remarkable example of how wildlife can spread and adapt, reminding us that even the smallest creatures can have a big impact on our local environment.
Read more here: Harlequin ladybird | The Wildlife Trusts