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A ladybird which has already caused havoc to native insects in America has been spotted near a pub in Essex. Harmonia axyridis posed a "deadly threat" to butterflies, lacewings and many other ladybirds, Dr Michael Majerus of Cambridge University said. The ladybird is an Asian species which was introduced into North America 25 years ago to fight aphids. ...Despite this unwelcome and well-publicised take-over, the harlequin ladybirds are also still being sold in continental Europe by biocontrol companies. The bug now roams across France, Belgium and Holland, with numbers soaring annually. Harlequins also feed on fruit juices as they fuel up for the winter and fruit-growers are finding that they blemish many soft fruits, reducing the value of the crop. Wineries report the bugs also taint the vintage because of their acrid defensive chemicals.
