10 spot ladybird.

I had thought this ladybird was the invasive Harlequin.The Harlequin has various different names around the world as it can have different colours and between 0 -20 spots. The Harlequin is native to Asia but has been introduced by man to North America, Europe and Africa to control Aphids on crops but this decision has drastically affected the native species.The Harlequin not only outcompetes the native species food supply but also preys heavily on them. Ireland has 18 ladybird species, of which only 15 have been recorded recently. The spread of the Harlequin will no doubt impact these remaining few evolutionary unique species to Ireland. The environment and the biodiversity it supports will have to feature higher and be respected more throughout all countries. It especially needs to be brought into all government policy decisions and a switch away from outright enonomic growth that all goverments strive for at present. There will be no human economy without a functioning ecosystem.