Asian Lady Beetle

Found in gardens, crops, forests, and commonly inside residential homes during fall and winter months.

Primarily predatory, feeding on aphids, scale insects, and other soft-bodied agricultural pests; occasionally feeds on fruit.

Known for seeking shelter in large aggregations inside buildings to overwinter. They exhibit 'reflex bleeding' (releasing a foul-smelling yellow fluid) when threatened. They undergo a complete metamorphosis: egg, larva, pupa, and adult.

Benefits include biological control of garden pests. Risks include being a nuisance pest indoors, staining light surfaces with yellow defensive fluid, and occasionally biting humans which can cause minor skin irritation or allergic reactions.