Asian Lady Beetle

Found in a wide variety of habitats including forests, meadows, agricultural fields, and suburban gardens; often seeks shelter in buildings during winter.

Primarily aphidophagous (eats aphids), but also consumes scale insects, mites, and nectar. They are generalist predators.

They exhibit 'reflex bleeding' or releasing a foul-smelling yellow fluid when threatened. They are known for their extreme color and spot variation and for forming large aggregations to overwinter.

Benefits include biological pest control as they eat aphids. Risks include the potential to bite humans (causing minor irritation), trigger allergic reactions in some individuals, and become a household nuisance. They can also outcompete native ladybird species.