Sunday 24 May 2015

Fastest UK Invader?


The Harlequin beetle (Harmonia axyridis) has apparently been declared the UK's fastest invading species (http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/may/20/harlequin-ladybirds-declared-uks-fastest-invading-species). It has also been referred to as 'cannibalistic' and a danger to several resident species of ladybird. I admit it's fast but its speed of invasion is only known because it is easy to see and has been monitored by people over the whole country (others may have been faster without our noting them). There is nothing unusual about insects being cannibalistic and eating another species (if we are talking ladybirds) doesn't count.

No comments:

What's In a Critter's Name? 2. Bloody-nosed beetle

The Bloody-nosed beetle ( Timarcha tenebricosa ) doesn't get into fights. The red fluid it exudes, when handled, is produced to deter p...