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Description
Multi-colored Asian Ladybug (Harmonia axyridis)

The Multi-colored Asian Ladybug is a large coccinellid beetle originally native to eastern Asia, but which has been introduced to North America and Europe to control aphids and scale insects. It is now common, well known and spreading in those regions. It is also known as Asian Lady Beetle in North America, and Harlequin Ladybird in the United Kingdom.

Harmonia axyridis occurs in three main color forms: red or orange with black spots (known as form succinea); black with four red spots (form spectabilis); and black with two red spots (form conspicua). However, numerous intermediate and divergent forms have also been recorded. The species is typically large (7–8 mm long) and even more dome-shaped than native European species. It often has white markings (typically "M" or "W" shaped) on its pronotum, and usually brown or reddish legs. There is more white on the pronotum in this species than in most native North American species.

Harmonia axyridis is native to eastern Asia from central Siberia, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan in the west, through Russia south to the Himalayas and east to the Pacific coast and Japan, including Korea, Mongolia, China and Taiwan. As a voracious predator, it was identified as a biocontrol agent for aphids and scale insects. Consequently, it has been introduced into greenhouses, crop fields and gardens in many countries, including the USA and parts of Europe. The species is now established in the USA, Canada, the UK, The Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, France, Germany, Poland, Greece and Egypt.

Native ladybug species have experienced often dramatic declines in abundance in areas invaded by H. axyridis.

More info: [link]

Featured by the talented Andrew in his "Some Features For Xmas" journal: [link] .

Description
Multi-colored Asian Ladybug (Harmonia axyridis)

The Multi-colored Asian Ladybug is a large coccinellid beetle originally native to eastern Asia, but which has been introduced to North America and Europe to control aphids and scale insects. It is now common, well known and spreading in those regions. It is also known as Asian Lady Beetle in North America, and Harlequin Ladybird in the United Kingdom.

Harmonia axyridis occurs in three main color forms: red or orange with black spots (known as form succinea); black with four red spots (form spectabilis); and black with two red spots (form conspicua). However, numerous intermediate and divergent forms have also been recorded. The species is typically large (7–8 mm long) and even more dome-shaped than native European species. It often has white markings (typically "M" or "W" shaped) on its pronotum, and usually brown or reddish legs. There is more white on the pronotum in this species than in most native North American species.

Harmonia axyridis is native to eastern Asia from central Siberia, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan in the west, through Russia south to the Himalayas and east to the Pacific coast and Japan, including Korea, Mongolia, China and Taiwan. As a voracious predator, it was identified as a biocontrol agent for aphids and scale insects. Consequently, it has been introduced into greenhouses, crop fields and gardens in many countries, including the USA and parts of Europe. The species is now established in the USA, Canada, the UK, The Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, France, Germany, Poland, Greece and Egypt.

Native ladybug species have experienced often dramatic declines in abundance in areas invaded by H. axyridis.

More info: [link]

Featured by the talented Andrew in his "Some Features For Xmas" journal: [link] .