Harmful harlequin ladybirds on Island

Sat, 08 Nov 2014

A harmful species of ladybird have been found in Santon which could affect other wildlife.

Harlequin ladybirds have been discovered for the second time on record, they originate from Asia and grow to 8mm in length.

Member of the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture Zac Hall says they eat a wide range of species and it then moves on to eat the predators of aphids, lessening the population of beneficial insects.

If you think you may have found one you're asked to put it in a closed pot with airholes, check it against the online guide, and take into either the Manx museum, or the DEFA headquarters at St John's.