The UK Ladybird Survey team is compiling an atlas of British ladybirds and is calling upon you to submit your records. Historic or recent records of any ladybird species, from anywhere in the UK, will be gratefully received. This data will prove invaluable to the survey, which aims to monitor changes in abundance and distribution of British ladybirds, and keep a close eye on the impact of the invasive harlequin ladybird, Harmonia axyridis, on our native species. Monitoring ladybirds has never been more important and the survey need your records by the end of 2008 please!
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.
The distribution map here shows that it has spread rapidly north and west from the southeast of England since its first sighting.
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 will monitor its spread across Britain and assess its impact on native ladybirds.
Monitoring ladybirds across the country has never been more important. We want YOU to get involved!
Please either log records online at UK Ladybird Survey or send spreadsheets of records to: ladybird-survey@ceh.ac.uk