Harlequin ladybird larva, Harmonia axyridis
Harlequin ladybird larva, Harmonia axyridis (submitted by NaturePlus user jimsiwoodward)
Harlequin ladybird larvae are black with an orange L-shape on each side and 4 orange spines on their back.
It is the larva’s massive appetite which has given this species such a bad reputation. Feeding on insects and other larvae, it is also known to be cannibalistic.
This ladybird is one of the most invasive species in the world, and is out-competing ladybirds native to the UK, some of which are now threatened with extinction. You can help record the spread of this species by taking part in the harlequin ladybird survey.
