Ladybird threatens other insect’s existence

Ladybirds have long been seen as innocent creatures, but the Harlequin ladybird may not be what it appears as the Royal Society’s Summer Science Exhibition suggests that the ladybird parasites are placing over 1,000 UK insect species in peril according to research.

Dr. Helen Roy of the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology stated that the spread of the parasites is rapid and unprecedented.

Scientists are considering counteracting the bird’s disastrous effects by spreading a mite in the wild that would make ladybirds infertile.

The harlequin ladybird it seems is just doing its job a little too well, as it was first brought to Europe from Asia to help control pests science it feeds on a variety of insects and fruit.

The Asian harlequin ladybird first arrived in Essex in 2004 and is also a threat to the UK’s own natural 4 varieties of native ladybird species.

Dr. Roy stated that the Asian ladybird is most commonly found in the southeast areas of the UK but is quickly spreading west across Wales and Cornwall as well as up to Northern Ireland. If the mite is introduced it must be passed from one generation to the next through breeding which may take some time since ladybirds only breed five times a year.

Scientists are also exploring fungal disease, male bacteria, and flies as ways to help reduce the numbers. Each of these methods including the mites are native problems that plague the Harlequin ladybird in the UK, efforts would simply be increased if scientists decided to take action with one or more of the suggestions.