Multicolored Asian Lady Beetle

Gardens, orchards, farm fields, and frequently found inside human dwellings during autumn and winter months.

Primarily predatory, consuming aphids, scale insects, and mites; may occasionally feed on fruit in late season.

Aggregates in large numbers on sun-facing walls and enters buildings to overwinter; exhibits 'reflex bleeding' (releasing a foul-smelling yellow fluid) when threatened.

Benefits include biological pest control in agriculture. Risks include indoor nuisance infestations, potential allergic reactions in humans, and small, non-venomous nips to the skin.