Harlequin ladybirds or ladybugs (Harmonia axyridis) on a dead tree in Surrey, England

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A brightly coloured beetle with a highly variable appearance, the harlequin ladybird (Harmonia axyridis) is an invasive species which has spread rapidly outside of its native range in Asia, and in the UK is a threat to our native ladybird species. It hibernates in large groups. This dead tree had several hundred ladybirds on it on a sunny day in late October. The crevices behind the peeling bark would provide a good place for hibernation.

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Size: 6000px × 4000px
Location: Surrey, England, UK.
Photo credit: © Gillian Pullinger / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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