
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)
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.