Invaders: The native seven-spot ladybird saw off the threat of the harlequin ladybird (pictured), which arrived in Britain in 2004 Dr Roy said: ‘They feed on mildew, which likes the moist weather.

The ladybird is our best-loved bug, but 56% of us cannot bear most insects and wasps are public enemy No 1, an organics group found.

There are around 50 species of ladybird in the UK, but only around half of them are what most of us would recognise as a ladybird - termed 'conspicuous ladybirds'. Here are six of the ladybird species ...

For those who, like u2028Gina, have not noticed the menacing-looking but benign ladybird larvae before, it is worth mentioning that these useful predators can bought online and “put to work ...

Ladybird swarms are, of course, something that pre-date the arrival of the harlequin. Some readers may remember the long, hot summer of 1976, which led to a population explosion of native species.

The harlequin bugs are known as the most invasive ladybird in the world and can leave a chemical-like smell and yellow stain on furniture and fabric.