SPOTTED – the new type of ladybird that could jeopardise many of Britain's native ladybird species.
The harlequin ladybird has already invaded much of northwestern Europe, and arrived in Britain in summer 2004, but it's only recently moved into North East Lincolnshire.
There are 46 species of ladybird resident in Britain and the arrival of the harlequin ladybird has the potential to jeopardise many of these, according to experts.
Harlequin ladybirds are very effective aphid predators and have a wider food range and habitat than most other aphid predators and so easily out-compete them.
When aphids are scarce, harlequin ladybirds consume other prey including ladybird eggs, larvae and pupae, butterfly and moth eggs and caterpillars.
Harlequin ladybirds also have a tendency to aggregate in buildings in large numbers during autumn and winter.
Many people find harlequin ladybirds a nuisance in the house, and do not wish to share their home with a few thousand harlequins
As a defence mechanism many ladybird species exude a yellow fluid which has an unpleasant acrid smell, and which can stain soft furnishings.
When hungry, harlequin ladybirds will bite humans in their search for something edible. The bites usually produce a small bump and sting slightly.
Rachel Shaw, from the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust, said: "Ladybirds rarely bite so there is no danger to humans, so it's often best to just leave them alone.
"They are originally from Asia and have been spreading rapidly from the south coast ever since. We don't want people to go out there and kill them."
Dr Peter Brown, from the Department of Life Sciences at Anglia Ruskin University, said: "We want people to record them so we can see the effect they have on our native species.
"They can be a nuisance but it's best to leave them alone, I doubt they pose too much risk in the north so people in Lincolnshire are probably not going to see much more of them when winter comes."
The Harlequin Ladybird Survey, at www.ladybird-survey.org, will monitor its spread across Britain and assess its impact on native ladybirds.
There is also an app that you can download to help monitor the spread of the harlequin ladybird called iRecord Ladybirds.
Available for iPhone and Android, the ladybird app includes information and photos to help you identify ladybirds on the move.
ON THE WEB: Have you spotted a harlequin ladybird in your garden? What else have you seen? Let us know at www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk