Warfare amongst the ladybirds.
by Lewis, 17 May, 2013, 1 comments
The asian or harlequin ladybird was used in commercial glasshouses / greenhouses to control aphids (greenfly / blackfly) - a single harlequin ladybird can eat up to 200 aphids a day. Unfortunately, some of the harlequin ladybirds escaped and their offspring have spread across Europe - endangering native species.
Recent research has shown that this invasive species has an impressive immune system - the body fluids of this animal contain a strong antibiotic compound (HARMONINE) and also small proteins (peptides) that have anti-microbial properties. Read more...
