This Harlequin ladybird (Harmonia axyridis) has been infected with the fungus previously known as Hesperomyces virescens, that is now known to be specific to the Harlequin so has been renamed Hesperomyces harmoniae. Hopefully, you should be able to make out the short pale-coloured stalk-like growths emerging from between the ladybird’s eyes and along its front left leg. According to the Beetlehangers website, the fungus is being investigated as a means of controlling the Harlequin ladybird, as it is an invasive, non-native species that is threatening the populations of native British species. The fungus is believed to decrease the Harlequin’s ‘mating frequency, winter survival rate, and mobility’ – not very pleasant if you’re a Harlequin but good news for our other ladybird species.