Fauna
Insect

Asian Lady Beetle

Harmonia axyridis

Also known as Harlequin Ladybird, Multicoloured Asian Lady Beetle, Harlequin Ladybird Beetle, Asian Ladybird

Asian lady beetles are voracious generalist predators capable of consuming hundreds of aphids daily throughout their adult lives. Recognized by a distinctive black M- or W-shaped marking behind the head, adults exhibit an extraordinary variety of shell patterns ranging from spotless orange to dark black with red spots. In autumn, massive swarms frequently cluster on sunny building exteriors searching for sheltered indoor crevices to survive the winter.

InvasivePolymorphicPredatory
Asian Lady Beetle reference1 / 7
"Asian Lady Beetle in Central-Germany & a mite" by gbohne is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/. · cc-by-sa
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyAphids, Scale insects, Insect eggs
Predators
  • Birds
  • Spiders
  • Parasitoid wasps
ThreatsBroad-spectrum insecticides, parasitoid wasps, and freezing winter temperatures
HabitatsAgricultural fields, gardens, orchards, forests, and human structures
Life span1–3 years
Classification
  1. OrderColeoptera
  2. FamilyCoccinellidae
  3. GenusHarmonia
  4. SpeciesHarmonia axyridis
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Reflex bleeding produces a foul fluid that stains and triggers allergic reactions; avoid crushing or handling.
Why it is dangerous
Reflex bleeding secretes chemical alkaloids that stain surfaces, irritate skin, and provoke allergic asthma or conjunctivitis in sensitive individuals.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Look for the black M- or W-shaped mark on the white pronotum just behind the head.
What to do
Sweep or vacuum aggregations gently without crushing to avoid triggering reflex fluid discharge.
Responsible observation
  • Observation Tip: Search aphid-infested garden foliage during warm summer days to watch adults and alligator-like larvae hunt.
  • Autumn Sightings: Look along sunny south-facing walls where adults aggregate in fall before seeking winter shelter.
  • Indoor Management: Vacuum swarms into a sealed canister rather than swatting them to prevent staining and chemical odor.
Related species
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