Multicolored Asian Lady Beetle ( Harmonia axyridis ) | |
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PHOTO COMMENT | |
This beetle is known by many names because of its many forms. It can be recognized by the characteristic “M” pattern on its pronotum. Introduced to North America from eastern Asia as a voracious predator of aphids and scale insects, this beetle has caused declines in other Lady Beetle species. It may also invade homes to overwinter and become a pest. Be careful with this beetle - it is known to bite humans. | |
IDENTIFICATION | |
Identification: | Harmonia axyridis (Pallas ,1773 ) |
Common Name: | Multicolored Asian Lady Beetle |
Life Stage: | (A) adult |
PHYLOGENY | |
Phylum: | Arthropoda |
Class: | Insecta |
Superorder: | Holometabola |
Order: | Coleoptera |
Suborder: | Polyphaga |
Family: | Coccinellidae |
Genus: | Harmonia |
Taxon Code: | COL00341 |
ITIS/TSN: | 692602 |
LOCATION DETAILS | |
Location Name | |
Gardens at Lake Merritt, Lakeside Park, 666 Bellevue, Oakland | |
County: | Alameda County |
ECI Site#: | CA01100110 |
RECOGNITION | |
Description | |
The adult is highly variable in color and pattern with as many as 24 color morphs. In western North America, some individuals are black with two large red patches and some are black with several large orange spots. In almost all phases the pronotum is white with four black spots, which range from small spots to large patches that may blend together to look like a black "M. | |
Body Length | |
5-8 mm. | |
BIOLOGY | |
CREDITS | |
Photographer Alex Miller-Cole Park Maintenance, City of Oakland | |
References | |
Species Harmonia axyridis - Multicolored Asian Lady Beetle. (http://bugguide.net/node/view/397). Accessed July 8, 2016. . | |
ITIS. | |