HARLEQUIN ladybirds have invaded Ilminster bringing concerns about the effect the aggressive insects could have on indigenous species.

The foreign ladybirds were spotted on a farm near the town last week and experts from The Harlequin Ladybird Survey have described them as ‘the most invasive ladybird on earth’.

Ilminster Gardener Wendy Gyles said: “We first noticed them a few days ago - they were all over the fence.

“There were just sheep grazing over the summer but there’s not been any livestock in the fields for months.”

Science officer for local company Green Roof, Alex Mortleman, said: “They are certainly Harlequin ladybirds.

“The fear that comes about from the Harlequin out-competing our native species is because it has a longer breeding season – two or more generations a year – and a broader diet spectrum, not just aphids but the larvae and eggs of other species including butterflies.

“A large proportion of British butterfly species are endangered as well, so it can only be bad news if, for instance, the Harlequin was spotted in a nature reserve in large numbers where there is a fragile breeding population of an endangered species – such as the Marsh Fritillary – with a declining population rate anyhow.”

The Harlequin is native to South East Asia and introduced to Europe and the US to control aphids. It is now considered a nuisance as it hibernates in homes and releases an unpleasant odour when frightened or squashed, which is like nail-polish remover.