
Community identification
Asian Lady Beetle
Harmonia axyridis
- Order & Family
- Order Coleoptera, Family Coccinellidae
- Size
- 5 to 8 mm in length
Natural Habitat
Agricultural fields, orchards, gardens, and urban settings; often seeks shelter in homes during winter.
Diet & Feeding
Mainly aphids, scale insects, and other soft-bodied pests; can also feed on ripening fruit.
Behavior Patterns
Known for overwintering in large groups inside buildings; displays a wide variety of colors and spot patterns, typically featuring an 'M' or 'W' shape on the pronotum.
Risks & Benefits
Provides significant biological control of pests like aphids, but can be a nuisance when invading homes and may cause allergic reactions or 'reflex bleeding' (yellow fluid) that stains surfaces when disturbed.