Asian Lady Beetle
Scientific Name: Harmonia axyridis
Order & Family: Order: Coleoptera, Family: Coccinellidae
Size: 5 to 8 mm (approximately 1/4 to 1/3 inch) long

Natural Habitat
Found in agricultural fields, gardens, and forests; frequently migrates to the south-facing walls of buildings and interiors for overwintering.
Diet & Feeding
Primarily predatory, consuming aphids, scale insects, and other soft-bodied agricultural pests.
Behavior Patterns
Known for seeking shelter in man-made structures during cold months. They display 'reflex bleeding' (releasing a yellow, foul-smelling liquid) when threatened and undergo complete metamorphosis (egg, larva, pupa, adult).
Risks & Benefits
Highly beneficial to ecosystems and farmers for natural pest control. Risks include potential nuisance infestations in homes, staining of surfaces from reflex bleeding, and rare mild allergic reactions or bites in humans.
Identified on: 3/12/2026