Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Shutterstock/ChWeiss
Invasion

'Killer' ladybirds are breeding in Northern Ireland

The invasive Harlequin ladybird was first reported in the south of Ireland in 2010.

KILLER LADYBIRDS, known as Harlequin ladybirds, are breeding in Northern Ireland for the first time.

The BBC reports the ladybirds have been found in several Belfast parks and at the Titanic Memorial at the city hall.

Sightings of the species are to be reported to the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA).

Consuming other ladybirds 

According to the Irish Wildlife Trust, who conducted a ladybird survey in 2014, the Harlequin causes problems to the natural environment.

Due to its wide dietary range, it competes with native ladybirds for their main prey of aphids and has been known to consume the eggs and larvae of other ladybird species.

The “invasive” ladybird arrived in the UK in the summer of 2004 and is now found in all parts of England, isolated parts in Scotland and was first seen in northern Ireland in County Down in 2009.

The species was first reported in County Cork and Wicklow in 2010 and Carlow in 2011.

There are 18 ladybird species recorded in Ireland. The insect, which originates from Asia,  was introduced into North America in 1988.

Poll: Should the word ‘lord’ be dropped from ‘Lord Mayor’?

Read: ‘In-jokes’ and gutsy design – the secrets to an unforgettable logo>

Your Voice
Readers Comments
33
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.