DERBY, 5th November

Why here?
 

	The colonisation of Derby is intriguing. Most other large British populations have been in the south-east, either metropolitan or close to the coast.  So, after visiting the excellent Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Entomological Society's annual insect show (where H. axyridis was found on sycamore and nettles by the car park), went for lunch at the Olde Dolphin Inne at Derby (left), close to the cathedral .  Behind the pub are sycamores and other trees. One (right) hardly shows any sign of autumnal colouration.
	On this tree there were several imagines and a few larvae with no pupae but a patch of eggs: seemingly another potential new generation.  Circling the cathedral, up Amen Alley, haxy was seen on limes (mostly losing their leaves), elm, roses and other plants but also on walls and fence posts (left).  Again, several larvae and egg patches but only one or two pupae. What is notable (click picture to enlarge) is that all of the ladybirds but one had nineteen or more large, often fusing spots. The exception was ten-spotted with weak markings. No melanics were seen all day.
	Large numbers of exuvia (right, on a wall) were present everywhere - presumably representing the large numbers of ladybirds seen over the past few weeks. However, there were very pupae suggesting either that a separate new generation is now underway or that one batch has been eaten.  However, there is no shortage of aphids, especially on sycamore trees.  The same applies in London according to David Element.
	So why here?     ................. to be continued

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CREATED 5.xi.2005