Up-date November 2011

With an end to 2011 just around the corner the timing is apt for a Spot the Alien up-date.

The Spot the Alien scheme was launched end of August 2011. In the 12 weeks since then, 32 records have been submitted for the three target species:

• 13 red lily beetle sightings  from 4 counties
• 18 New Zealand flatworm sightings from 11 counties
• 1 harlequin ladybird sighting from Co. Dublin

These records expand our knowledge on their distribution from what was previously known. We can see a cluster of records for the red lily beetle in Cork, Dublin and a few records in the one location in Waterford. Evidence of establishment of harlequin ladybirds in Ireland has been confirmed and sightings of the New Zealand flatworm from areas across the midlands have been received.

Thank you to all who took the time to submit your sightings

The records that could be verified by Dr. Roy Anderson and Dr. Archie Murchie will be added the Data Centre’s interactive Biodiversity Maps system by end of Nov 2011.  The full record data for these sightings are then available for use in invasive species research, monitoring and assessment, conservation assessment and management.

Plans for 2012

It is hoped that people will continue to report sightings of these three species.  The winter season is a good time to look out for and report overwintering harlequin ladybirds in your home or other buildings. In Spring 2012, a major launch of the  Spot the Alien recording scheme is planned. This will tie in with the reviewed Horticulture Code of Practice and the amended EC Birds and Habitat Regulations (2011) in ROI.

Please remember to submit photos of your sightings to help with the verification procedure.