Introduced from tropical Americas, now found in Africa, Europe, the Middle East and Japan. Recorded since the 1920s in Britain, mainly in south-east England.
A new colour fold-out field chart with superb illustrations of all 26 British ladybird species (including the harlequin) and lots of ladybird ecology information. It costs £2.50 from some book sellers or direct from the Field Studies Council (tel. 0845 3454072)
Written by three hugely experienced 'ladybirders', the book provides instructions of how, when and where to find different species of ladybird, how to identify the adults, and facilitates involvement in current research projects on ladybirds. Available to order online from the Amateur Entomologists' Society
The breeding season is from March to October. There are at least 2 generations per year, possibly up to 6, with the last brood hibernating as an adult. The female lays over 1,000 eggs, laying them in clusters of 20 to 45 on the underside of the food plant's leaves. The eggs are oval in shape, and are cream to yellow, turning orange prior to hatching. After about 3 to 6 days, the larva hatches from the egg. It varies in color from greenish gray to dark brown. Its body is segmented, and will reach a length of 8 mm. Young larvae will drop to the ground if disturbed while feeding, while older larvae secrete a substance which repels competitors from eating the food plant's leaves. After three instars, the larva pupates in a burrow about 2cm underground. The adult emerges 6 to 9 days later. Adults create holes around 1cm in diameter in leaves. Flies strongly.
An excellent guide to the ecology and identification of British ladybirds with superb colour drawings of the main species. It costs £9.95 and if not found with book sellers is available direct from Richmond Publishing (tel. 01753 643104)