Harmonia axyridis larva (Multicolored Asian Lady Beetle larva)

Natural Habitat

Found on a wide variety of plants, including agricultural crops, garden plants, and trees where aphid populations are present. Often seen on leaves or crawling on outdoor surfaces.

Diet & Feeding

Highly predatory, primarily consuming aphids, but also eats scale insects, spider mites, and the eggs or larvae of other insects.

Behavior Patterns

Active hunters that roam plant surfaces. This is the larval stage of a beetle undergoing complete metamorphosis. They are often described as looking like tiny alligators; after several molts, they attach to a surface to pupate.

Risks & Benefits

Extremely beneficial to ecosystems and gardens as a natural pest control agent for aphids. They generally pose no risk to humans, though they can occasionally produce a mild pinch if they crawl on skin.

Identified on: 4/23/2026