Harmonia axyridis (Pallas, 1771)
| English: | Harlequin Ladybird |
| German: | Asiatischer Marienkäfer |
| Danish: | Harlekinmariehøne |
| Date: | 27/04/2008 |
| Location: | Austria, Niederösterreich, Tulln |
| Copyright: | Per Hoffmann Olsen |
| Camera: | Canon EOS 30D |
| Lens: | Sigma 150mm 1:2.8 APO Macro |
| Exposure: | 1/250 |
| Aperture: | f/11.0 |
| ISO: | 320 |
This Ladybird was introduced as a bio-weapon againts aphids in Europe due to it enormous appetite compared other Ladybird species. Unfortunately it's spreading fast throughout Europe were it outcompetes the European Ladybirds. The researchers fear that the H. axyridis soon will be the only common Ladybird.
Now, more than 12 years later after i took the photo, researchers are more likely to classify the beetle as a pest, because it is increasingly damaging fruit and viticulture in Austria.
Identification Link:
