Harlequin Ladybird Survey

Scientists have called for photos to be sent to the UK Ladybird Survey to help track the harlequin ladybird invasion. The harlequin ladybird was introduced to North America in 1988, where it is now the most widespread ladybird species on the continent. It has already invaded much of north-western Europe and arrived in Britain in summer 2004. This invasive alien species is a potential threat to Britain's native ladybirds and wider biodiversity. Scientists at the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (CEH) have started a mobile phone recording scheme which allows on-the-spot recording and will hopefully encourage more children to get involved in science.