The Best Guide for the SO50 Area

Hallwe'en Beetle Spotted in Fair Oak

The Harlequin Ladybird, also known as the Halloween Beetle because it is spotted at the end of October when it enters buildings to hibernate, has been found in large numbers across the borough for the first time this year.

Larger and more domed than our common, seven-spotted Ladybird, the Harlequin's pattern varies from orange with 15-20 black spots to black with two or four red spots.

The Harlequin found its way to Britain in 2004 and has spread very quickly, with a few individuals being found in Eastleigh as early as Autumn 2006. This year's latest recording sighting was made by Liz Kent in Fair Oak this afternoon.

Despite its spooky nickname, the Halloween Beetle is not harmful, and if anyone spots (excuse the pun!!) one, please email rachel.urwin@eastleigh.gov.uk, the Council's Conservation Officer, and also please contact Wildline (Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust) on 01489 774446. An address and postcode, or a grid reference, as well as the date and time, are useful when recording any wildlife sightings, so that we can keep track of where they spread to.

More information can also be found online at www.harlequin-survey.org  or www.ladybird-survey.org  

Did you know?
• There are 46 different species of Ladybird resident in the UK.
• Only about half of the species are brightly coloured.
• Ladybirds bleed from their knees if threatened. This is a toxic chemical to repel potential predators. Bright colours warn predators that they are toxic.

   Have you seen one of these?

If so, please contact your Council Conservation Officer, rachel.urwin@eastleigh.gov.uk, and Wildline on 01489 774446, so we can track where these creatures are spreading to.

Community Comment:

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Joined: 30 Oct 2007
Posts: 1

At 20:58 on 30th October 2007, Liz K commented:

What an interesting livery this little creature has for this time of year! I am sure we could think of all sorts of reasons for its unusual colouring.

It is interesting to hear about changes in our local wildlife, and newly arrived species can often help to manage the ecosystem along with native species.

However it is a good idea to study new arrivals, and so any information will be welcome about these little animals.

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