by David Miller
Summary:
The harlequin ladybird (ladybug) has been spotted in Shetland, which the furthest north the species has been spotted. It is an invasive species from Asia that was brought to mainland Europe to eat aphids. The ladybirds then spread to southern England and kept moving north. The harlequin ladybirds are competing with native ladybird species, even eating the competition's eggs and larva. While the weather is too cold in Shetland for the ladybirds to start populating, it shows how far the species can spread. Scientists are asking the public to record online where they spot harlequin ladybirds, with over 40,000 people reporting a sighting since 2005.
Opinion:
I find it interesting how a small insect can get from mainland Europe all the way to a northern part of the UK. That would involve going over large bodies of water and traveling many miles. It is also strange how the harlequin ladybird actually eats the young of its competitors, which could lead to it wiping out an entire population and taking over. This shows how harmful and difficult to stop an invasive species can get. The use of the internet to keep track of invasive species seems like it would be useful, seeing how social media is taking over society.
Questions:
- Do you believe species should be introduced to the environment to combat pests or other introduced species?
- What do you think is the most effective way to stop or track an invasive species?
- Do you think that invasive species can eventually become native species, meaning we should not stop their spread?
- Should we, Americans, be concerned of invasive species in other continents?
What is the answer to the ultimate question of life, the universe, and everything?
