UK Ladybird Survey Report

Abstract

There is no doubt that recent times have been eventful for ladybirds (coccinellids). In particular the arrival of the Harlequin Harmonia axyridis (new to Britain in 2004), seen as a major threat to native ladybirds, prompted the development of two on-line recording schemes (www.ladybird-survey.org and www.harlequin-survey.org). The response to the surveys has been fantastic; we have received over 70,000 records in the last three years. We are very pleased to have the opportunity of contributing an annual column to British Wildlife, specifically on ladybirds, during these times of dramatic environmental change