Asian Lady Beetle

Harmonia axyridis

This species is highly polymorphic, meaning individuals can have anywhere from zero to twenty-two spots and vary from pale orange to deep black.

Scientific name

Harmonia axyridis

Taxonomy

Animalia › Arthropoda › Insecta › Coleoptera › Coccinellidae › Harmonia

IUCN Red List status

Least Concern

Population trend

increasing

Biome

urban

Habitat

Found in a wide variety of environments including forests, agricultural fields, meadows, and urban gardens.

Diet

Predatory; primarily feeds on aphids, scale insects, and other soft-bodied agricultural pests.

Range

North America, Europe, Asia, South America, Africa

Size

5-8 mm in length

Lifespan

1-2 years

Active

diurnal

Threats

Widespread use of broad-spectrum pesticides, though they are highly resilient and often outcompete native species.

Safe to approach?

Harmless but defensive. Safe to observe from any distance. If handled, they may deliver a tiny, pinch-like bite or release a yellow, foul-smelling fluid (reflex bleeding) that can stain skin and clothes. If contact occurs, wash the area with soap and water; seek medical attention only in the rare event of an allergic reaction.

Harmonia axyridis , most commonly known as the harlequin , multicolored Asian , or simply Asian ladybeetle , is a large coccinellid beetle. This is one of the most variable species in the world, with an exceptionally wide range of color forms. It is native to eastern Asia, but has been artificially introduced to North America and Europe to control aphids and scale insects. It is now common, well known, and spreading in those regions, and has also established in...

Photo: Gilles San Martin, CC-BY-SA, via iNaturalist

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