Harmonia Axyridis (Asian Lady Beetle)

Natural Habitat

Widely diverse; found in agricultural fields, gardens, and forests. Frequently seen on car windows and invading buildings in the fall searching for overwintering sites.

Diet & Feeding

Primarily carnivorous; they consume large quantities of aphids, scale insects, and other soft-bodied crop pests.

Behavior Patterns

Known for swarming on sunny walls and windows in autumn. They exhibit 'reflex bleeding'—secreting a foul-smelling yellow fluid from their leg joints—when threatened.

Risks & Benefits

Benefits: highly effective biological control for agricultural pests. Risks: can become a nuisance pest indoors; may bite humans (non-venomous but irritating); can cause allergic reactions in some individuals.

Identified on: 3/14/2026