Bug Identifier
Harmonia Axyridis (Asian Lady Beetle)
Community identification

Harmonia Axyridis (Asian Lady Beetle)

Harmonia axyridis

Order & Family
Order Coleoptera, Family Coccinellidae
Size
5.5–8.5 mm (0.22–0.33 in)
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

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.