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Harlequin ladybird larva

Photo by Banstie
Published on Project Noah
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Field Notes

Notes:

Gave it a lift from central Sheffield on windscreen of car. Took pity on it and put it on greenfly infested sweet peas. Hope it's a UK ladybird larva but suspect it's a Harlequin. Can anyone ID for certain?

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (3)
EdMarshall
That is a very good question. I myself am not too sure. I have only ever seen this colour pattern on the larvae when I'm out and about so it is a possibility. However, my instincts tell me it is unlikely that so many different colour variations could arise from just the one type of larvae. Maybe someone a little more educated on the matter will shed some light on this?
Banstie
Thank you. There seems a great range of colours and patterns in the adult Harlequins. Do they all come from these larvae? Or are they all separate species grouped under the name of Harlequin?
EdMarshall
This is indeed a harlequin larvae. Shame it isn't a UK species but its still a good find all the same. I remember showing one of these to my friends and getting them to guess what it was. The surprise when I told them it turns into a ladybird was great, haha.
Photographed
PublishedAugust 31, 2011

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