Bug Identifier
Asian Lady Beetle
Community identification

Asian Lady Beetle

Harmonia axyridis

Order & Family
Order Coleoptera, Family Coccinellidae
Size
5.5 to 8.5 mm in length
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Agricultural fields, orchards, gardens, and urban settings; often seeks shelter in homes during cold months.

Diet & Feeding

Predatory feeding on aphids, scale insects, and other soft-bodied agricultural pests.

Behavior Patterns

Diurnal insects that undergo complete metamorphosis; notable for congregating in large numbers on buildings during autumn to overwinter.

Risks & Benefits

Highly beneficial for biological pest control in agriculture, but can be a nuisance pest in homes where they may bite and emit a foul-smelling yellow fluid (reflex bleeding) that stains surfaces.