Harmonia

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Suborder: Polyphaga
Superfamily: Coccinelloidea
Family: Coccinellidae
Subfamily: Coccinellinae
Genus: Harmonia

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Harmonia: /hɑːrˈmoʊniə/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Harmonia quadripunctata 8 by Pudding4brains. Used under a Public domain license.

Harmonia dimidiata (10.3897-zookeys.803.22543) Figure 9 by Ali M, Ahmed K, Ali S, Raza G, Hussain I, Nafees MA, Anjum SI (2018) An annotated checklist of Coccinellidae with four new records from Pakistan (Coleoptera, Coccinellidae). ZooKeys 803: 93-120. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.803.22543. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Harmonia quadripunctata (4725420300) by Gilles San Martin from Namur, Belgium. Used under a CC BY-SA 2.0 license.

Harmonia quadripunctata TP02 by Tobias 67. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Ruhland, Grenzstr., Waldrand hinter Hausnr. 3, Vierpunkt-Marienkäfer, Unterseite, Totfund, Sommer, 02 by Wilhelm Zimmerling PAR. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Harmonia quadripunctata (53128359361) by Gilles San Martin from Namur, Belgium. Used under a CC BY-SA 2.0 license.

Summary

The genus Harmonia includes several species of lady beetles that are characterized by their variable coloration and beneficial role in controlling pest populations. Species such as Harmonia axyridis and Harmonia dimidiata are particularly notable for their wide distribution and varying appearances.

Physical Characteristics

Harmonia axyridis typically exhibits highly variable elytra colors, commonly orange or red with black markings, but can also be all black or unmarked. The head and pronotum are always black with white markings. Harmonia dimidiata has less variable elytra that are orange or red with black spots, with orange markings on the head and pronotum.

Identification Tips

Harmonia axyridis can be identified by its highly variable elytral color patterns and the distinctive black head and pronotum with white markings. Harmonia dimidiata is identified by its orange or red elytra with black spots and orange marking on the head and pronotum.

Habitat

Anywhere with suitable food, from ground level to treetops. Commonly seen in gardens, fields, and agricultural areas, as well as cities.

Distribution

Harmonia axyridis is widely distributed across North America; Harmonia dimidiata is limited to Florida; Harmonia quadripunctata may be established in eastern Canada and the mid-Atlantic U.S.

Diet

Primarily aphids, but also consumes other soft-bodied insects, larvae, and insect eggs. Harmonia axyridis may feed on ripe fruit in the fall.

Life Cycle

Harmonia species lay masses of spindle-shaped orange eggs that hatch into spiky-looking larvae, which are black with orange markings and can grow up to 12 mm long. After feeding, the larvae pupate, and the adult beetle emerges 1-2 weeks later.

Ecosystem Role

Considered beneficial insects due to their predation on aphids and other pests in gardens and agricultural areas.

Economic Impact

Beneficial for agriculture as they control aphid populations, but can also become pests in certain situations.