Asian Lady Beetle

Found in gardens, forests, and agricultural fields; often migrates into homes or buildings during fall and winter to hibernate.

Primarily aphidophagous, eating large quantities of aphids, scale insects, and other soft-bodied agricultural pests; may supplement with pollen or fruit nectar.

Active during daylight; exhibits reflex bleeding (exuding a foul-smelling yellow fluid) when threatened; tends to aggregate in large numbers on sunny walls before entering indoor shelters for overwintering.

Benefits include excellent natural pest control for crops and gardens; risks include being a nuisance pest indoors, potential to bite humans if stressed, and can cause allergic reactions in some individuals.