Blog of The Organic Gardener

THE DISMAL ALIENS

The ladybird is a highly valuable insect for controlling aphids. Unfortunately it is being overrun by another beetle. This is the dismal truth of the Harlequin Beetle Harmonia axyridis. Following introduction into America in 1988 it has now become more widespread there than ordinary Ladybirds. Now it is advancing rapidly through the U.K.

The Harlequin was originally introduced for its voracious appetite for eating aphids and so protecting crops. But things have got out of hand. If its success continues it could result in a reduction in biological diversity i.e. the number of different types of insect that we have in our gardens. That is not good.

Plans are being made to control it e.g. by using insect attractants to lure the Harlequin into a trap. I recommend that gardeners learn to distinguish the Harlequin from normal Ladybirds. see the Harlequin Survey. It seems only right to keep a keen eye open for them and destroy them where they are found. Anything to halt their advance must be good.

...and FLAT WORMS
The New Zealand Flatworm, Arthurdendyus triangulatus, is another alien, first found in 1963 in Northern Ireland. It has probably traveled among potted plants and now exists throughout the U.K. Other reports suggest that eggs may travel in stone filled field drains.

This Flatworm eats our own native earthworm. In some areas this alone is blamed for causing poor field drainage and waterlogging - a devastating result.

As organic gardeners we need be more responsible custodians of our environment.