We didn't know what it was but thought it might be some kind of beetle. Book and internet searches revealed it as a Harlequin ladybird larva. This is an invasive introduced species and feeds voraciously on aphids but if these are in short supply it will prey on native ladybirds, consuming eggs, larvae and pupae and moth and butterfly eggs and caterpillars. It has also shown cannibalistic tendencies when food is scarce.
It has been present in the UK since 2004 and is colonising rapidly. Very smart in its black and yellow livery though, isn't it?
Thank you to Misty Dawn for this meme.
It's such good luck when a ladybug lands on you! Surely that applies to the larvae too? :)
ReplyDeleteI'd never thought of it like that!
ReplyDeleteinteresting critter have never seen a bug like that before. I don't do Camera critters until Sunday. My Saturday post are photo hunt and Raven's wordzzle Challenge. Have a great weekend
ReplyDeleteThe larvae are other-worldy in appearance, aren't they? Who would guess they would morph into a cute bug?
ReplyDeleteOhmigod! spooky!
ReplyDeleteI cannot stare it! hehehe
purrs and love
Luna(from Brazil)
Interesting, educational post. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteVery interesting subject!
ReplyDeleteLovely and a little scary shot ;)
ReplyDeleteLOL
Hmmm ... a new critter to me! Thanks for the added info ;--)
ReplyDeleteHugs and blessings,
It is a shame that they are damaging our native ladybirds. I have seen a lot of them in this area over the last few years. We saw a strange little creature at lunchtime today-it looked like a miniature ladybird. I knew what ladybird lavae look like though so am not sure what it was!
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about your daughter's Ofsteds-being in special measures must put such a strain on all the staff and knowing that her daughter's school is not soing well is a worry.
doing!
ReplyDelete