A LADYBIRD native to Asia has been spotted at two locations in Ireland and poses a threat to the country’s “unique biodiversity”, according to wildlife authorities.
The Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis) was found for the first time last month at sites in Co Cork and Co Wicklow.
“If the Harlequin Ladybird becomes established, it will lead to a decline, and in some cases, the extinction of some of our 15 native ladybird species,” said Colette O’Flynn from the National Biodiversity Data Centre.
The Harlequin Ladybird is native to Asia and is considered an invasive alien species in Europe and North America. It may have arrived in Ireland on imported vegetables, fruit or plants. The sightings were reported by members of the public in Cork city and Ashford, Co Wicklow, who found the insect in their homes.
Ms O’Flynn said it was likely “the ladybirds were seeking shelter from the cold conditions”.
She said the specimens found could represent “the tip of the iceberg in terms of a new invasion to the island of Ireland.
“The Harlequin Ladybird is one of the fastest-spreading invasive species in Europe,” she said.
Ms O’Flynn described it as a highly mobile species which can live in a variety of habitats including trees and low-growing plants such as nettles and also cropland. In winter the species can seek shelter in houses and can become a nuisance in homes when it aggregates in sometimes dense colonies. Ms O’Flynn said, “when disturbed, the Harlequin Ladybird can produce a yellow secretion which can stain soft furnishings”.
The creature is “variable in colour – from yellow to orange to red”; can have up to 20 spots; and at “six to eight millimetres long, they tend to be larger and more domed than most native ladybirds”, said Ms O’Flynn, calling for people to report sightings.
John Kelly from Invasive Species Ireland was “devastated that the Harlequin Ladybird has been found in Ireland”.
“If it becomes established, it will threaten native invertebrate diversity, could impact on fruit production and be a nuisance in buildings,” he said.
The creature’s diet includes aphids, pollen, nectar and ripe fruit. In some EU states, it is authorised for use by gardeners and fruit growers to control pests and is now considered to be “established” in 13 European countries.
