Black and orange bug (NOT Colarado Beetle!) on my potatoes... Can anyone identify it?

[Contrary Mary]

Hi there - I think I have a pest problem on my potatoes, but I'm not sure - can anyone help?

The critter in question is a black and orange, beetle/larvae-ish looking insect, and it seems to have taken a liking to crawling over (mostly, but not exclusively) the potatoes in my vegetable beds. It doesn't seem to be doing any damage - not even eating the leaves, and it doesn't seem to be interested in anything other than the leaves... but you never know, do you? I've never seen this thing before, so I have no idea what it is, other than that it is the wrong shape for a Colarado Beetle. (I know what those look like, from the publicity about them way-back-when). I've attached a piccy.

If anyone does know what it is, could they also tell me whether I should worry about it or not, and if so, what the best way to get rid of it organically?

Cheers,

Contrary Mary

[Lesley Jay]

Hi C.M., it could be the Harlequin Ladybird larvae. Here's a photo:-

Google Image Result for http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b1/Harmonia_axyridis_larvae_2.jpg

I hope that image works!!

If it is then you need to read this:-

Harlequin Ladybird Survey - home

[DavidT]

I agree Lesley, it`s a ladybird larvae.

[Lisa MTT]

It's a ladybird larva, but can't tell which species from the picture. It'll be munching aphids so doing good, regardless of whether it's a harlequin or not.

All beetle larvae look like a gruesome hybrid of caterpillar body with a hard head and 6 jointed legs. Fantastic beasties!

[Contrary Mary]

Yup - that's definitely the wee beastie! Thanks all.

Should have thought of that, as we have had loads of Harlequins around - all over my area - for a number of years. I'd just never seen the larvae before.

Lesley: I'll be filling in the survey. Is there anything else I should do, given that they're an (albeit useful) invasive species? I have heard that it is possible to buy packs of 'native' ladybird larvae - would this help to encourage their numbers in relation to the Harlequins, or would they just get attacked by them?

[Lesley Jay]

C.M., unfortunately the Harlequins will just eat the native ladybird larvae which seems such a shame.