Asian Lady Beetle
Harmonia axyridis
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Coleoptera
- Suborder: Polyphaga
- Superfamily: Coccinelloidea
- Family: Coccinellidae
- Subfamily: Coccinellinae
- Genus: Harmonia
- Species: axyridis
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Harmonia axyridis: //hɑrˈmoʊniə ˌæksɪˈrɪdɪs//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
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Summary
Harmonia axyridis is a highly variable species of lady beetle known as the Asian or multicoloured lady beetle. Native to eastern Asia, it is now widespread globally due to its introduction for pest control. It has significant ecological and economic impacts, often competing with native species and exhibiting nuisance behaviors in urban areas during hibernation periods.
Physical Characteristics
Range from 5-8 mm in length; highly variable in color and pattern, usually red to red-orange with spots; common form, f. 'succinea,' is orange or red with 0-22 black spots. Larvae are dark gray with orange markings and spines. Pupae are elongated, dome-shaped, attached to leaves.
Identification Tips
The adult is easily identified by its large size and specific pattern details. Look for white patterns on the head and pronotum, and reddish-brown legs. The most common form has a distinctive 'W' or 'M' shape in the black markings on the pronotum.
Habitat
Found in urban and rural environments; typically invades homes and outbuildings for winter hibernation.
Distribution
Native to eastern Asia (Altai Mountains to the east coast of Japan); established in North America, Europe, parts of Africa, and South America; widespread in the US and Canada, with reports from numerous states and provinces.
Diet
Primarily feeds on aphids, thrips, mites, scale insects, and the eggs of butterflies and moths; larvae are especially voracious consumers of aphids.
Life Cycle
Typically has two generations per year in Asia and Europe, with up to five in some areas; larvae have four instars; adults typically live 30-90 days, some can live up to 3 years.
Reproduction
Information not provided in detail.
Predators
Natural predators include birds, spined soldier bugs, ants, and other coccinellids, including its own species.
Conservation Status
Not native; however, it poses significant risk to native coccinellids and ecosystems.
Ecosystem Role
As a predator of aphids and other pests, it plays a role in biological control; however, it competes with and preys on native coccinellids.
Economic Impact
Considered a pest in agriculture, particularly affecting vineyards by contaminating grapes and altering wine taste; also serves in pest control.
Cultural Significance
Known as the Halloween beetle due to its seasonal invasions in North America; referred to as the 'many-named ladybird' in the UK.
Health Concerns
Some individuals may experience allergic reactions to this beetle or its secretions; it can bite if provoked, causing irritation.
Collecting Methods
- Vacuuming with a nylon stocking in hose to collect without triggering reflex bleeding
- Trapping using indoor traps designed to attract and contain them
Preservation Methods
- Standard entomological preservation methods are applicable, such as mounting specimens and using collection jars or insect boxes.
Evolution
Introduced to North America for biological control, has become one of the world's most invasive insects, dramatically affecting native species populations.
Misconceptions
People often mistake darker forms for other species due to similar coloration; many believe the lady beetle's bite is harmful.
Tags
- Harmonia axyridis
- Asian Lady Beetle
- Coccinellidae
- Biological control
- Invasive species