Trouble coming: the Asian ladybird

[jdaw1]

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The Asian ladybird was originally brought in to control aphids in greenhouses.

But it has escaped and is increasing uncontrollably across Europe, wiping out native species.

The alien is winning, say scientists, because its body fluid contains a parasite toxic to other insects.
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But in recent years these imported ladybirds have escaped and rapidly established themselves across Europe and North America at the expense of native species.
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"I don't see any which way to stop them now - it's too late in my opinion," said Dr Vogel.

"The fascinating thing is they can survive in such a wide range of temperature zones, and they are starting to pop up in South Africa and South America."

When the aphids they prey upon become scarce, Asian ladybirds are known to feed on grapes and are often found in vineyards. Their powerful, defensive chemicals can affect the taste of wine if they get trapped in the production process.

"They go on apples and grapes and that is becoming an increasing problem because of the massive amounts of these beetles, said Dr Vogel.

"The tainting of the wine with a single beetle is not funny!"

[g-man]

There's actually another bug running around
Scaphoideus titanus
spreading
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flavescence_dor%C3%A9e

northern portugal is suffering production set backs because of such