Harlequin ladybirds, Stubbs Green, Loddon, Elizabeth Dack 1/3
Harlequin ladybird larvae, Norwich, Toney Irvin 2/3
Harlequin ladybirds and larvae, Norwich, Chris Durdin 3/3

Harlequin ladybird Harmonia axyridis

The harlequin ladybird was introduced to North America in 1988, where it is now the most widespread ladybird species on the continent. It has already invaded much of northwestern Europe, and arrived in Britain in summer 2004.

There are 46 species of ladybird (Coccinellidae) resident in Britain, and the recent arrival of the harlequin ladybird has the potential to jeopardise many of these. 

Conservation status

The harlequin ladybird was first recorded in Norfolk in 2004. Since then it has rapidly increased in number and distribution.

Related questions & advice

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Did you know?

Harlequin ladybirds are the most invasive ladybird species on earth. Female harlequin ladybirds can begin to lay eggs five days after becoming an adult and a single female can lay over a thousand eggs in her lifetime.

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