Posted on 06/30/2009 6:32:08 AM PDT by JoeProBono
The Harlequin ladybird is putting over 1,000 species in the UK in peril, scientists have warned. "The rate of spread is dramatic and unprecedented," said Dr Helen Roy of the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology. The ladybird has spread to most parts of the UK in just four years, preying on many other insects. However, research outlined at the Royal Society's Summer Science Exhibition suggests local ladybird parasites are adapting to prey on the interloper. To help that process along, scientists are suggesting introducing a mite that renders the ladybirds infertile. Originally from Asia, the harlequin preys on a wide variety of insects, including the larvae of other ladybirds, and will also eat fruit.
(Excerpt) Read more at news.bbc.co.uk ...
They can put the “Lady Bugs” in my garden any time. I have found them on mountain tops covering trees (mating) and scooped them up in a paper sack. Brought them home in put them in my refrigerator, and weekly put them on my roses.
Better than any insecticide. And as pretty as a bug.
And exactly *which* species does she threaten?
Unfortunately, scientists of this day can only communicate in stentorian voices, using phrases such as:
REPENT, FOR THE END OF THE WORLD IS NIGH!
DOOM, DOOM, DOOM FOR DENIERS.
OYEZ, OYEZ, OYEZ. AGW IS THE NEW RELIGION.
She looks harmless to me.
</i>And exactly *which* species does she threaten?</i>
The Billboard Bird.
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