Harlequin Ladybird Survey - Recording sightings

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Since the arrival of the harlequin ladybird it has never been more important to monitor ladybirds.

Sending us records

The easiest way to submit records of harlequin ladybirds you have spotted is to do so using our on-line recording form.

Alternatively, we have a recording form in Word format available if you prefer. You can send records on paper to the following address:

Ladybird Research Group,
University of Cambridge,
219d Huntingdon Road,
Cambridge CB3 0DL.

Verifying your records

Digital photographs are the preferred method for verifying ladybird species. They can be uploaded when you fill out the on-line recording form.

Live specimens from some parts of the UK may be sent as an alternative, although photos are preferred and result in a faster response to you. Due to the fantastic response of the public to our survey, we no longer require specimens from the following areas: London and south-east England, East Anglia, the Midlands, Hampshire, Dorset and south Devon. However, we welcome specimens from other areas, if a photograph is not available.

Specimens should be sent to the address given on the left. You can put them in something like a camera film canister or other sturdy box. Do not include food or water, just a few bits of paper to protect specimens from buffeting.

The important details of your ladybird sightings (records) that we need to see include:

Your name and address (if we need to get back to you)
What you found (stage of life cycle - e.g. adult ladybird, larvae, eggs, etc.)
Where you found it - a grid reference and site name would be ideal but other reference points such as postcode (within 200m of where it was found) would be sufficient
When you found it - date
How many - 1, 1-5, 6-10 or more than 10
What were they doing - for example, nothing, walking, mating, eating, laying eggs, etc.