[Headgardener22]

Anybody any idea what this is? Found it in our garden whilst weeding.

[8doubles]

Violent (violet) ground beetle ! 

[Headgardener22]

Violent (violet) ground beetle ! 

Thanks, not seen one before, quite scary when I frightened it out.

[Springlands]

I've got fairies in my garden, the hummingbird hawkmoth's are back. 

[sunshineband]

I've got fairies in my garden, the hummingbird hawkmoth's are back. 

You lucky thing    My brother has some (Portsmouth) but they don't seem to have made it to us yet 

[Springlands]

I've got fairies in my garden, the hummingbird hawkmoth's are back. 

You lucky thing    My brother has some (Portsmouth) but they don't seem to have made it to us yet 

I was really surprised to see them as the weather has been so rubbish, so it was extra special when they appeared. 

[Annen]

I found this on my sweet pepper plants




Is it a unfinished ladybird, or a harlequin, or something else?  Its about 3-4mm long.  Sorry its a bit blurry, my camera is not very good at close ups.

[RubyR3d]

I found this on my sweet pepper plants




Is it a unfinished ladybird, or a harlequin, or something else?  Its about 3-4mm long.  Sorry its a bit blurry, my camera is not very good at close ups.

.    If it was a harlequin I wouldn't have the heart to squish it, its smiling 

[8doubles]

If the Harlequins  are better than the native ladybird i am all for them !

VIVA EVOLUTION ! 

[RubyR3d]

If the Harlequins  are better than the native ladybird i am all for them !

VIVA EVOLUTION ! 

.  Aah but its not natural evolution if they are foreign invaders. Its been foisted on them

[Annen]

    If it was a harlequin I wouldn't have the heart to squish it, its smiling 

Its got such a cute puppy face. But it has been in the same place for at least two days so I think I won't have to do the dirty deed.

[8doubles]

If the Harlequins  are better than the native ladybird i am all for them !

VIVA EVOLUTION ! 

.  Aah but its not natural evolution if they are foreign invaders. Its been foisted on them

The plants we see them on are  not natural either but better than wild natives !

Some people would like to stop positve evolution or even reverse it !

[RubyR3d]

If the Harlequins  are better than the native ladybird i am all for them !

VIVA EVOLUTION ! 

.  Aah but its not natural evolution if they are foreign invaders. Its been foisted on them

The plants we see them on are  not natural either but better than wild natives !

Some people would like to stop positve evolution or even reverse it !

.     A lot of non native plants and creatures have found themselves over here and wreaked havoc with our native stock. Some have even been wiped out. I can't help but think its best on the whole NOT to import them. A countries native wildlife population is designed to cope with its environment best.Its interference that upsets the balance.

[Snoop]

A lot of non native plants and creatures have found themselves over here and wreaked havoc with our native stock. Some have even been wiped out. I can't help but think its best on the whole NOT to import them. A countries native wildlife population is designed to cope with its environment best.Its interference that upsets the balance.

It's a really difficult question. Imported invasive species are a problem. But if there were no importing, we'd have no tomatoes or potatoes. No carrots, even. Kew wouldn't be what it is. And cat lovers would find something missing from their lives.

Nature is what it is and will walk, swim, fly or hitch a ride and set up home in any suitable new environment.

[Annen]

I found this on my sweet pepper plants




Is it a unfinished ladybird, or a harlequin, or something else?  Its about 3-4mm long.  Sorry its a bit blurry, my camera is not very good at close ups.

Just found out, it is a 14 spot ladybird.  Harlequins are always bigger than 5mm apparently.
Good to know...