It seems I should have squished my early harlequin ladybird after all (here).
A recent report shows 7 out of the 8 UK ladybird species have declined in number and distribution since the harlequin arrived in 2004. The 2-spot ladybird is the most affected with a reduction in its population of 44%.
Presumably nothing can be done. Any chemical or biological pest control method would surely damage native ladybirds. Killing the individuals you find will have little impact on the species as a whole.
Is there ever any good news?
Image from The Natural History Museum.
