This is not the attractive little ladybird we always liked to see when I was younger. It's the larger, invasive Harlequin Ladybird. Harlequins eat smaller ladybirds.
The BBC has a page: "Harlequin ladybirds were introduced to north America and mainland Europe as a biological control for aphids. However, with their populations spreading rapidly the tables have turned on these ladybirds. Their voracious apetites and the subsequent decline of native ladybird species has focused attention on them as a subject for control. Large numbers hibernate indoors and in wall cavities during cool winter weather, which doesn't help their cause."
Indeed, some years ago I opened my old fashioned and now distorted metal windows and huge numbers of Harlequins had crammed themselves into gaps in the frames. I had to get them out with a dustpan and soft brush. There were at least 300 all over the place, crawling across the carpet etc. No joke!
Thank you for your kind comments on my pictures, and good Harlequin-free birding!
John
