Harlequin Ladybird
Harmonia axyridis
The Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis), widely known in North America as the multicolored Asian lady beetle, is a large predatory beetle belonging to the family Coccinellidae. Measuring 5 to 8 mm in length, it is one of the world's most variable ladybird species, displaying wing cases ranging from pale yellow and bright orange to red or black, with anywhere from zero to twenty-three spots. Native to eastern Asia, it was intentionally introduced to Europe and North America as a biological control agent against aphids and scale insects. It has since become a widespread invasive species that outcompetes and preys upon native ladybirds. In autumn, large aggregations often enter buildings to overwinter, where they can stain surfaces and trigger allergies with their foul-smelling defensive fluid.