catching the sun :)
Biedronka azjatycka. Pstryknęłam ją wczoraj rano, idąc do pracy. Wygląda ładnie, ale jest gatunkiem inwazyjnym, zagrażającym rodzimym gatunkom biedronek. Ponadto nadgryza owoce winogron, stając się uciążliwym szkodnikiem sadów owocowych i winnic. Potrafi też ukąsić ludzi i u niektórych osób stwierdzono reakcje alergiczne na ich ugryzienie dotyczące skóry i dróg oddechowych.
Harmonia axyridis is a large coccinellid beetle. Its colour ranges from yellow-orange to black, and the number of spots between 0 and 22. It is native to eastern Asia, but has been introduced to North America and Europe to control aphids and scale insects. It is now common, well known and spreading in those regions. It is commonly known in North America as Asian lady beetle, or Japanese ladybug, and in the United Kingdom as the Harlequin ladybird (the last because it occurs in numerous colour forms).
H. axyridis, like other lady beetles or ladybirds, uses isopropyl methoxy pyrazine as a defensive chemical to deter predation, but also contains this chemical in its hemolymph at much higher concentrations than many other such species. The liquid has a foul odor (similar to that of dead leaves) and can cause stains. Some people have allergic reactions, including allergic rhinoconjunctivitis when exposed to these beetles. Sometimes, the beetles will bite humans. Bites normally do no more harm than cause irritation although a small number of people are allergic to bites.
Numerous methods of control have been investigated in areas where this beetle has been introduced and causes a threat to native species and biodiversity and to the grape industry. A consideration in their control is the fact that when the beetles die they release a chemical that attracts more beetles.
catching the sun :)
Biedronka azjatycka. Pstryknęłam ją wczoraj rano, idąc do pracy. Wygląda ładnie, ale jest gatunkiem inwazyjnym, zagrażającym rodzimym gatunkom biedronek. Ponadto nadgryza owoce winogron, stając się uciążliwym szkodnikiem sadów owocowych i winnic. Potrafi też ukąsić ludzi i u niektórych osób stwierdzono reakcje alergiczne na ich ugryzienie dotyczące skóry i dróg oddechowych.
Harmonia axyridis is a large coccinellid beetle. Its colour ranges from yellow-orange to black, and the number of spots between 0 and 22. It is native to eastern Asia, but has been introduced to North America and Europe to control aphids and scale insects. It is now common, well known and spreading in those regions. It is commonly known in North America as Asian lady beetle, or Japanese ladybug, and in the United Kingdom as the Harlequin ladybird (the last because it occurs in numerous colour forms).
H. axyridis, like other lady beetles or ladybirds, uses isopropyl methoxy pyrazine as a defensive chemical to deter predation, but also contains this chemical in its hemolymph at much higher concentrations than many other such species. The liquid has a foul odor (similar to that of dead leaves) and can cause stains. Some people have allergic reactions, including allergic rhinoconjunctivitis when exposed to these beetles. Sometimes, the beetles will bite humans. Bites normally do no more harm than cause irritation although a small number of people are allergic to bites.
Numerous methods of control have been investigated in areas where this beetle has been introduced and causes a threat to native species and biodiversity and to the grape industry. A consideration in their control is the fact that when the beetles die they release a chemical that attracts more beetles.