Publicity surrounding the recent discovery of a new and 'invasive' ladybird in Essex has spawned a number of further possible sightings.
As reported on
7th October the discovery of a harlequin ladybird (
Harmonia axyridis) in Essex has alarmed naturalists who fear that this aggressive species could displace our own native ladybirds. The story was widely reported by a number of media agencies, including the BBC on radio 4. Subsequently a number of other possible sightings have surface including one in Sheffield and one in Tyneside. Neither sighting has yet been confirmed, though a specimen from Sheffield has been retained and will be checked.
