Well, there’s certainly no doubt that this ladybird has the propensity to predate on a significantly wider range of invertebrate species than Britain’s native ladybirds, and that it could potentially out-compete them where a food source is limited.  But, considering the potential problems of global warming to species that have adapted to a temperate climate, the robust Harlequin’s will probably fare better and will be valued as an important natural enemy of many plant-damaging aphids.

Particularly aphids that are difficult to control on important crops, such as those that infest apple trees where their colonies develop within curled leaves that protect them from chemical sprays, but not from the efficient foraging and lethal mandibles of the adult and juvenile ladybirds. 

Despite the bad press that the Harlequin ladybird attracted when it first appeared in Britain, it should now be recognised as one of the country’s resident species with a role to play within the ecosystem.  It certainly shouldn’t be considered as a pest that requires controlling.  However, the overwintering clusters of Harlequin ladybirds might be considered a nuisance when inside a home.  In these cases, gently sweeping the ladybirds into a container using a soft brush will enable them to be relocated to somewhere more suitable where they will be protected from frosts.