<p>In this activity, children will learn that harlequin ladybirds are an invasive alien species which have adapted to living in the UK</p>
Description
The harlequin ladybird is a predatory beetle native to Asia that was introduced into North America and Europe to control pests but is now becoming a pest. It was first spotted in the UK in 2004 and is now threatening the ladybirds that are native to the UK.
Learning Objective:
- That harlequin ladybirds are an invasive alien species which have adapted to living in the UK
- To look for patterns in the distribution of harlequin ladybirds over time.
- That harlequin ladybirds compete with native UK ladybird species and how this affects native UK ladbybird species.
These resources were initially developed in partnership with the Centre for Science Education, Sheffield Hallam University.
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