Asian Multi-colored Lady Beetle

The invasive Asian Ladybug is a common garden sight with its striking shade of orange complemented by its dark spots.

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Image Credit: Peter S. from Acton, MA

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TAXONOMY:

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Arthropoda

Class: Insecta

Order: Coleoptera

Family: Coccinellidae

Genus: Harmonia

Species: axyridis

Asian Multicolored Lady Beetles are known for being good mimics of native Lady Beetles, ruining rose and hibiscus flowers, and congregating indoors in large numbers just before winter. The beetle is originally from Asia and was first seen in North America in the 1970's. It is a highly adaptable species and has spread across the continent since then, often pushing out native lady beetles from areas.

There is a lot of variation between individuals. Colors range from red to orange to brown. The number and position of black dots varies, so counting them is not always helpful. A useful marker is any white coloring on head and the pronotum, or 'neck area'. White sides on the pronotum, or even an entirely white pronotum, is a quick way of distinguishing it from native red lady beetles.

Natural measures are usually taken to prevent a population of Asian Multicolored Lady Beetles from damaging ornamental plants. Purchasing praying mantis eggs adds a predator to the beetle to a garden. Soapy sprays also help protect the plant, though they can interfere with beneficial insects, too. In areas where the beetle is established, steps may be taken to keep the adults from coming inside once the weather gets cold. Hundreds of adults can seek shelter in walls and attics if windows and vents are not properly sealed. They cannot survive freezing temperatures. They do not damage buildings, but a large group can emit a noticeably stinky odor when threatened.©BeetleIdentification.org

The Asian Multi-colored Lady Beetle is also known by the name(s) of: Asian Ladybug. The Asian Multi-colored Lady Beetle is typically 0.1 inches to 0.3 inches (4mm to 8mm) in size and has the following descriptors / identifiers: orange; black; yellow; spotted; wings; flying; six legged.

Color Identification Guide

Various colors commonly associated with this beetle.

Orange

Yellow

Black

Beetle Anatomy

Territorial Area Map (Visual Reference Guide)

The map below showcases (in blue) the states and territories of North America where the Asian Multi-colored Lady Beetle may be found (but is not limited to). This sort of data can be useful in seeing concentrations of a particular species over the continent as well as revealing possible migratory patterns over a species' given lifespan. Some species are naturally confined by environment, weather, mating habits, food resources and the like while others see widespread expansion across most, or all, of North America.

Alaska

Hawaii

Prince Edward Is.

Canadian territory of British Columbia graphic

Canadian territory of New Brunswick graphic

Canadian territory of Newfoundland and Labrador graphic

Canadian territory of Saskatchewan graphic

Contiguous United States shape map layer graphic

Newfoundland and Labrador

Similar Beetles

Similar beetles to the Asian Multi-colored Lady Beetle that are associated with or commonly mistaken for...

Comvergent Lady Beetle

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