Asian Lady Beetle (Harmonia axyridis)

The multicolored Asian Lady Beetle, or Harlequin, originates from eastern Asia, though humans brought it to the United States and other countries to control pests.

Harlequin ladybugs exhibit three main physical variations. The "succinea" variety ranges from orange to red with up to 22 black spots. 

Conversely, the "conspicua" and "spectabilis" forms are primarily black with two or four red markings, respectively. The pronotum pattern varies, and their undersides are dark, ringed with reddish-brown, matching their brown legs.

Asian Lady Beetles are notorious for being highly invasive. They often overwinter indoors, smell unpleasant when disturbed, and can bite humans. Their threat to native species and the grape industry has led to control methods2, including insecticides, trapping, beetle removal, and blocking building access.