The alien invader.... by julienne1

The alien invader....

This is the larva of the harlequin ladybird. It has the reputation of being the most invasive insect species in the world! it originated in Asia and spread throughout North America during the 1980s and found its way to the UK in 2004 wher it has spread alarmingly. While it does eat the dreaded aphid (which is helpful) it also eats the eggs and larvae of our native ladybirds and some of our moth and butterfly eggs and caterpillers ... which is not a welcome habit!
Stunning close up and interesting history Julienne. Fav
June 15th, 2018  
A fabulous close up of this nasty looking critter, fav!
June 15th, 2018  
It's an ugly looking thing - the hairs on it's back look like suckers. Let's hope there's a predator to control it real soon. Super detail on your photo though.
June 15th, 2018  
Bep
Great close up.
June 15th, 2018  
Great close up!
June 15th, 2018  
Amazing close up
June 15th, 2018  
Nice shot, horrible insect. There are not many insects I dislike but the Harlequin tops the list. Wasn't there speculation a couple of years ago that a parasite like Cotesia Glomerata was happy to use the eggs & larvae as incubators?
j
June 15th, 2018  
What a strange creature, well spotted.
June 16th, 2018  
Great shot, but that is one ugly bug. Does look like an alien. :-)
June 16th, 2018  
Great close up.
June 16th, 2018  
Great close up. Wonderful detail.
June 16th, 2018  
That is a scary looking creature that close up. Amazing focus. How big is it?
June 17th, 2018  
Leave a Comment
Sign up for a free account or Sign in to post a comment.