A Field Guide to Harlequins and Other Common Ladybirds of Britain and Ireland

Description

The invasive Harlequin ladybird is an eye-catching and beautiful species, but it can be very difficult to identify, with huge variation in colouration and pattern. This comprehensive photographic field guide is the first complete guide to identifying Harlequin ladybirds found in Britain and Ireland. It also covers all the other 25 conspicuous ladybird species that occur. Detailed, informative and beautifully illustrated with more than 350 remarkable colour photographs including ladybird developmental time sequences and numerous images of each ladybird speciesGround-breaking quick key for Harlequin identificationIncludes a photographic guide to the larvae of all 26 species – the first of its kindEasy to follow comprehensive descriptions and explanations of ladybird lifecycles and habits This clear, user-friendly field guide is ideal for anyone interested in learning how to identify a Harlequin ladybird, from beginners to more experienced entomologists, students and professionals. This book is ideal for learning to recognise and understand this charismatic and significant beetle. A Field Guide To: Harlequins and Other Common Ladybirds of Britain and Ireland Cover Page Half Title Page Title Page Copyright Contents Foreword Introduction The Harlequin ladybird: how and when it arrived Where and when to find Harlequin ladybirds Characteristics of a ladybird The lifecycle of a ladybird Eggs Larvae Ladybird larvae of Britain and Ireland HOW TO RECOGNISE A HARLEQUIN LARVA Pupae HOW TO RECOGNISE A HARLEQUIN PUPA Adult ladybirds THE NEWLY EMERGED ADULT OVERWINTERING SPRING EMERGENCE Protection, predation andparasites Food How to recognise a Harlequin ladybird 1. Introduction to Harlequin colour forms 2. Only Harlequins have two ‘shoulder spots’ 3. Harlequins never have white ‘angel wings’ 4. Harlequins are 5–8 millimetres long 5. The only black ladybird that has full, round white ‘cheeks’ is the Harlequin 6. The Harlequin’s pronotum is always black and white/cream 7. The Harlequin’s pronotum markings 8. Harlequin spots and patterns 9. Harlequins do not have white spots on their wing cases 10. Harlequin leg colour 11. Harlequin underside colour 12. Harlequins can have tiny rear ‘pinched’ dimples and ridges 13. Harlequins have a lip on the elytra Key to identifying whether or not a ladybird is a Harlequin Conspicuous ladybirds of Britain and Ireland Other Harlequins How to record your sightings Glossary Further reading and references Photographic credits Index of non-Harlequin photos Notes Back Cover