Nature features

The harlequin was first spotted swarming in Nottinghamshire at the beginning of October 2007.

Since then scientists have warned the Harlequin ladybird is putting over 1,000 species in the UK in peril.

"The rate of spread is dramatic and unprecedented," said Dr Helen Roy of the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology.

Pain in the neck

They might be cute to look at but these fiendish cannibals are feasting on our indigenous ladybirds, aphids, butterfly eggs and larvae with a noticeable decline in insect species. 

Speaking in October 2007 Professor Michael Majerus, from the Department of Genetics at Cambridge University, said:

"The species was originally released in continental Europe in 2004 as a bio control agent but it's gone berserk.

"It should never have been released in Europe at all. It is just madness. The insect is spreading like mad and is a pain in the neck."

Spotter's guide

Due to a lack of mountains in Notts these little critters are heading for our homes and in particular south facing walls and window frames. You'll spot them up in the corners basking on your paintwork.

A harlequin...

• Tends to be rounder in shape than most native UK species
• Can reach up to 8mm in size, a little larger than common ladybirds
• It has a white plate just behind the head with a big, black M-shaped marking on it
• Sighted bugs can be red, orange or black with between 15 and 20 spots
• Others may be black with between two to four orange or red spots

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. The Harlequin Ladybird Survey is currently monitoring its spread across Britain and assessing its impact on native ladybirds. However, they want your help.