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The United Kingdom - as well as almost every other country on the planet - has often suffered from the effects of environmental damage through the proliferation of non-native species. For millennia, mankind has travelled the world, followed quickly by the establishment of trade routes and the movement of valuable animal and plant commodities. Unfortunately these routes have also brought their fair share of problems such as the globalisation of small pox, influenza and the infamous ‘black death’.
Today similar problems exist and while modern medicine had made great strides in the prevention of such epidemics there is still an on-going problem with the deliberate and accidental introduction of non-native plant and animal species into sensitive environments. Recent history has already shown us the terrible destruction that can be reaped through the experiences of Hawaii, Australia and New Zealand.
Invasive non-native plant and animal species are now the second greatest threat to biodiversity worldwide after habitat destruction. This is because they can have a negative impact on native species, as well as for the damage caused to the environment, and as a secondary issue - local economies.
A more recent visitor to these shores is the Harlequin ladybird, also known as the as Asian lady beetle, or Japanese Ladybug. It has a voracious appetite and was introduced into continental Europe and North America as a biological control for insect pests. Although it prooved effective it unfortunately also has a taste for the larvae of native ladybird, butterfly and moth species.
Originally from Asia, it was first discovered in Essex in 2004, and was quickly classified as a major threat to the UK's 45 native ladybird species. Unfortunately recognising the harlequin ladybird is not as easy as you might think as their colouring is variable ranging from pale yellow-orange to an orange-red or even black. Their spot numbers and distribution will also differ too although in the UK you will commonly see Harlequin Ladybirds which are either orange with between 15 and 21 black spots, or black with two or four orange or red spots. Check out the above image - courtesy of the Harlequin Ladybird Survey - for an idea of their variability.
The following article is based on a press release issued by the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology for the year 2009/2010.
Scientists from the Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition believe that the harlequin ladybird is likely to threaten over 1000 native species in Britain. The harlequin has spread from Essex to Orkney in only four years and is now one of the fastest spreading non-native insects in Europe and the most invasive ladybird on Earth. Scientists from across the UK have been working to monitor its spread and impact. They are also seeking inventive methods of control, some of which will be presented at the Exhibition.
Project leader Dr Helen Roy, from the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, said: “We believe that the negative impacts of the harlequin on Britain will be far reaching and disruptive, with the potential to affect over 1000 of our native species. In the United States, where the harlequin arrived over 20 years ago, it has been associated with severe declines in native species."
The researchers’ first step has been to understand how the harlequin has spread. The public has played a key role in monitoring the invasion through the Harlequin Ladybird Survey, which was launched in 2005, and has now received over 30,000 online records.
The researchers’ first step has been to understand how the harlequin has spread. The public has played a key role in monitoring the invasion through the Harlequin Ladybird Survey, which was launched in 2005, and has now received over 30,000 online records.
"Invasive alien species are one of the greatest threats to global biodiversity," says co-investigator Dr Remy Ware from the University of Cambridge. "Using data from the Harlequin and UK Ladybird Surveys, we have a unique opportunity to study the early establishment, spread and adaptation of an invasive species."
The research team are now exploring how the few native enemies that do exist could be used to control the harlequin invasion. One of the most promising ideas is using a sexually transmitted mite, which makes some ladybirds infertile. If the transmission of these mites could be encouraged, the harlequin population could become greatly reduced. Other possible control options are through fungal disease, male-killing bacteria, a parasitic wasp and two species of parasitic fly.
For more information click onto:
The Decline of Insect Eating Birds
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The Eagle Owl - Friend or Foe?
What are the Natural, Native Predators of Vine Weevils
3 comments:
Charming creatures, (most) ladybugs. We have this one too, but I don't know if it's as much a problem here in NS as it is in some places. There are a number of species around the province, but we do have problems with other invasive species, that's for sure.
An interesting post we are already getting the ladybirds crawling into the bathroom I think they get into the old wooden frame and then come out in the warmth of the bathroom a little early for a snowy garden but I try and rescue them and put them in the greenhouse where there are usually bugs to eat.
diferent species i love this ladybird and there is so many more that you wont believe.
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