In a remarkable turn for British wildlife, the Little Arboreal Ladybird has been officially recorded in the United Kingdom for the first time, following an unusually hot summer that has reshaped the landscape for many species. The discovery, confirmed on September 14, 2025, marks a significant milestone for entomologists and conservationists, as this species—previously native to France and continental Europe—has now established itself in the New Forest and Southampton areas.
According to BBC reporting, Professor Russell Wynn, Director of Wild New Forest and Chair of the New Forest Biodiversity Forum, was among the first to confirm the presence of these ladybirds. "There were no confirmed British records prior to this influx," Prof Wynn explained, noting that the insects had been found in moth traps scattered throughout the New Forest. This marks a historic first for the UK, as the Little Arboreal Ladybird now joins the UK Species Inventory as a recognized native species.
The migration of the Little Arboreal Ladybird across the English Channel is no small feat. Typically, these yellow-bodied insects with distinctive white spots thrive in warmer continental climates. But the record-breaking heat of the 2025 summer, which challenged many wetland animals, created ideal conditions for their arrival and settlement. Prof Wynn remarked, "It's been a good year for many of the insects, ladybirds included," even as some other wildlife struggled with the unrelenting temperatures.
This event is part of a broader ecological trend. As Prof Wynn observed, "There's lots of evidence of moths and butterflies moving north and gradually colonising." The New Forest, with its ancient woodlands, fens, heaths, and bogs, offers a uniquely diverse habitat—one that is increasingly attractive to species seeking new territory as Europe's climate shifts. "The quality of the habitat in the New Forest and the work we're doing to expand and restore those habitats make us a good landing point for species that are hopping across the channel and looking for a decent habitat to colonise," Prof Wynn told the BBC.
The Wild New Forest team, which Prof Wynn leads, is deeply involved in the Species Survival Fund (SSF), a collaborative initiative working to preserve and enhance nature across roughly 24 sites within the national park. Their efforts are not only about welcoming newcomers like the Little Arboreal Ladybird but also about supporting the return and survival of rare native species. In a recent ecological survey, Prof Wynn discovered the 13 Spot Ladybird in the area for the first time in two decades—a rare and nationally scarce find. "It's nationally pretty scarce and good to record it back in the New Forest and good to record it in a site where we're going to be doing some wetland creation work to expand the area of wetland habitat, so the future of the species at that site is looking good as they'll be a nice little pond complex there next year," he said.
But it's not just the Little Arboreal Ladybird making headlines. The Hippodamia variegata, also known as the Adonis ladybird, has been sighted in the drier parts of the forest, further underscoring the region's growing role as a sanctuary for both new arrivals and returning natives. These discoveries highlight the dynamic nature of the UK's biodiversity, especially in periods of rapid environmental change.
Prof Wynn is candid about the forces driving these shifts. "We are in a period of flux with our biodiversity because of climate change and so if we can provide a home for species that are naturally colonising and moving north then I think that's a positive thing because they're going to be the species that are going to thrive in the coming decades as temperatures continue to increase," he told BBC Hampshire & Isle of Wight. In his view, adaptation is not just inevitable—it's essential for the future of British wildlife.
The New Forest itself is a living testament to resilience and adaptation. With an estimated 20,000 species of animals, plants, and fungi, the area stands as one of the UK's most biodiverse landscapes. The park's mosaic of habitats—from ancient trees to boggy wetlands—provides refuge for a host of creatures, many of which are only now being rediscovered or arriving for the first time. The ongoing work to restore and expand these habitats, including the construction of new pond complexes, is part of a broader strategy to future-proof the region's biodiversity.
For Prof Wynn and his colleagues, these changes are not just scientific curiosities—they're opportunities for public engagement. He encourages people to spend more time in the forest, paying close attention to the "little gems" that make up its rich tapestry of life. "If you do you'll be rewarded with some of these little gems," he said. His hope is that the public will not only accept but embrace the new arrivals, recognizing that today's newcomers may well be tomorrow's dominant species.
"The ones that are arriving now are probably going to be the species that are dominant in the coming decades and centuries, so we should certainly welcome them because they're going to be what's maintaining our biodiversity and making sure that we've still got wildlife to look at in 100 years," Prof Wynn emphasized. This perspective is echoed by conservationists across the country, who see the northward march of insects and other species as both a challenge and an opportunity for ecological renewal.
The story of the Little Arboreal Ladybird is, in many ways, a microcosm of the broader environmental changes facing the UK and Europe. As climate change accelerates, the movement of species across traditional boundaries is likely to become more common. While some may lament the loss of familiar wildlife, others, like Prof Wynn, see hope in the resilience and adaptability of nature.
Efforts like those led by Wild New Forest and the Species Survival Fund are crucial in this new era. By creating and maintaining habitats that support both native and newly arrived species, they help ensure that the UK's natural heritage remains vibrant and diverse for generations to come. It's a delicate balancing act—welcoming the new while cherishing the old—but one that may define the future of conservation in Britain.
For now, the Little Arboreal Ladybird's bright yellow body and white spots are a welcome sight for those lucky enough to spot them in the New Forest. Their arrival is a vivid reminder that, even in the face of uncertainty, the natural world continues to surprise, adapt, and endure.
