{{Short description|Species of beetle}} {{Speciesbox | image = Harmonia axyridis01.jpg | genus = Harmonia (beetle) | species = axyridis | authority = (Pallas, 1773) | synonyms ={{Specieslist |Anatis circe|Mulsant, 1850 |Coccinella bisexnotata| Herbst, 1793 |Leis axyridis|(Pallas) |Ptychanatis axyridis|(Pallas) |Coccinella axyridis|Pallas, 1773 }} }} [[File:Harmonia axyridis.tif|thumb|A ''Harmonia axyridis'' collected from a flowering plant in Haddock, Georgia. Scale bar represents 1 cm.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book |last=Abbott |first=John |title=Insects of North America |publisher=Princeton University Press |year=2023 |isbn=978-0-691-23285-0 |location=Princeton, New Jersey |pages=295–353}}</ref>]] thumb|''Harmonia axyridis''. Scale bar represents 1 cm. Collected from inside residence in Baldwin County, Georgia, on September 20, 2024.<ref name=":0" /> '''''Harmonia axyridis''''' is a lady beetle or ladybird species that is most commonly known as the '''harlequin''', '''Asian''', or '''multicoloured Asian lady beetle'''. This is one of the most variable lady beetle species in the world, with an exceptionally wide range of colour forms. It is native to eastern Asia, and has been artificially introduced to North America and Europe to control aphids and scale insects. It is now common, well known, and spreading in those regions, and has also established in Africa and widely across South America.
This species is conspicuous in North America, where it may locally be known as the '''Halloween beetle''', as it often invades homes during October to overwinter.<ref name="Koch">{{Cite journal |author=R. L. Koch |year=2003 |title=The multicolored Asian lady beetle, ''Harmonia axyridis'': A review of its biology, uses in biological control, and non-target impacts |journal=Journal of Insect Science |volume=3 |page=32 |pmid=15841248 |pmc=524671 |url=http://www.insectscience.org/3.32/Koch_JIS_3_32_2003.pdf |doi=10.1093/jis/3.1.32 }}</ref> Other names include multivariate, southern, Japanese, and pumpkin ladybird.<ref name="Londonsurvey">{{cite web |url=http://www.ladybird-survey.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/H_axyridis.htm |title=''Harmonia axyridis'' (Pallas) in Britain |website=Ladybird Survey |access-date=7 January 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080117085219/http://www.ladybird-survey.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/H_axyridis.htm |archive-date=2008-01-17}}</ref> Like other coccinellid beetles, this species may interchangeably be referred to as a lady beetle, ladybug, or ladybird, though entomologists prefer the names ladybird beetles or lady beetles to avoid confusion with true bugs.<ref name="Frank&">{{cite web |last1=Frank |first1=J. Howard |last2=Mizell |first2=Russell F. |date=2021 |title= Ladybirds, Ladybird beetles, Lady Beetles, Ladybugs of Florida, Coleoptera: Coccinellidae |url= https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN327 |work=Ask IFAS |publisher=University of Florida |access-date=7 May 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Holland |first1=Mary |title=Naturally curious day by day: a photographic field guide and daily visit to the forests, fields, and wetlands of Eastern North America |date=2016 |page=173 |publisher=Stackpole Books |isbn=978-0-8117-1412-9}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Johnson |first1=Ken |title=Ladybug, Ladybug |url=https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/good-growing/2020-06-04-ladybug-ladybug |website=extension.illinois.edu |date=4 June 2020 |publisher=University of Illinois Extension |access-date=17 January 2023 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Common Names of Insects Database |url=https://www.entsoc.org/publications/common-names |website=www.entsoc.org |publisher=Entomological Society of America |access-date=20 January 2023 |language=en}}</ref> A widespread misconception exists that this species is not a ladybug due to confusion over common names.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Carlton |first1=Chris |last2=Huval |first2=Forest |last3=Reagan |first3=T.E. |title=Harmonia axyridis, Asian Lady Beetle |url=https://www.lsuagcenter.com/~/media/system/c/5/6/4/c564837fb2e1624e4ed63eca390d8858/p3673_bugbizasianladybeetlenew_rch_0319_fhuvalpdf.pdf |publisher=LSU AG Center |access-date=6 February 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Dellinger |first1=Theresa A. |last2=Day |first2=Eric |title=Ladybird Beetles in Houses and Buildings |url=https://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/ENTO/ENTO-472/ENTO-472.html |website=pubs.ext.vt.edu |publisher=Virginia Cooperative Extension |access-date=6 February 2026 |language=en}}</ref>
==Description== ''Harmonia axyridis'' is a typical coccinellid beetle in shape and structure, being domed and having a "smooth" transition between its elytra (wing coverings), pronotum, and head. It ranges from {{cvt|5.5 to 8.5|mm}} in size.
The common color form, f. ''succinea'', is orange or red in colouration with 0–22 black spots of variable size. The other usual forms, f. ''conspicua'' and f. ''spectabilis'', are uniformly black with, respectively, two or four red markings. The pronotum is white with variable black patterning, ranging from a few black spots in an M formation to almost entirely black. The underside is dark with a wide reddish-brown border. Numerous other forms have also been recorded. Extreme forms may be entirely black, or feature complex patterns of black, orange and red. Color polymorphism is likely hereditary, regulated in many cases by a single transcription gene;<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Ando |first1=Toshiya |last2=Niimi |first2=Teruyuki |date=January 2019 |title=Development and evolution of color patterns in ladybird beetles: A case study in Harmonia axyridis |url=https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/dgd.12592 |journal=Development, Growth & Differentiation |language=en |volume=61 |issue=1 |pages=73–84 |doi=10.1111/dgd.12592 |pmid=30644547 |issn=0012-1592}}</ref> but it might also depend on the location and time of year in which the pupae are exposed to different temperatures. Darker color variations are more common in Asia than in North America.
Eggs range in shades of yellow depending on their age but turn black a day before they hatch. On average they are around 1.2 mm in length.<ref name="Koch" />
The large size of this beetle is usually the first clue to its identification.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.harlequin-survey.org/recognition_and_distinction.htm|title=Harlequin Ladybird Survey - Recognition and Distinction|website=www.harlequin-survey.org|access-date=10 March 2018|archive-date=8 November 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111108050702/http://www.harlequin-survey.org/recognition_and_distinction.htm}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://bugguide.net/node/view/397|title=Species Harmonia axyridis - Multicolored Asian Lady Beetle - BugGuide.Net|website=bugguide.net|access-date=10 March 2018}}</ref> Despite variation, this species does not generally overlap in pronotal or elytral pattern with any other species, except in unmarked orange or red forms. In Europe it is similar to the much smaller ''Adalia decempunctata'', while in America it is similar to the much smaller ''Mulsantina picta'' and spotless forms of ''Adalia bipunctata''. When identification is difficult, the underside pattern usually enables a reliable conclusion.<ref name=AD>{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/adalia-field-guide-to-ladybugs/id1121061924?ls=1&mt=8|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160922211203/https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/adalia-field-guide-to-ladybugs/id1121061924?ls=1&mt=8|archive-date=September 22, 2016|title=Adalia, Field Guide to Ladybugs of North America on the App Store|website=App Store|access-date=10 March 2018}}</ref> Identification is most simple for the common forms, while less common varieties may take longer to identify.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biocontrol.entomology.cornell.edu/predators/Harmonia.html |title=''Harmonia axyridis'' |publisher=College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell University |access-date=2014-05-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140509181924/http://www.biocontrol.entomology.cornell.edu/predators/Harmonia.html |archive-date=2014-05-09 }}</ref> They always have reddish-brown legs and are obviously brown on the underside of the abdomen, even in the melanic colour forms.
==Range== ''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, including Japan, 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 United States and parts of Europe. The species is now established in North America (United States, Canada, Mexico), Central America (Guatemala, Honduras, Costa Rica, Panama), South America (Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Argentina, Chile), Europe (Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, France, Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Poland), Israel, New Zealand, and South Africa.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Cisneros-Heredia |first1=Diego F. |last2=Peñaherrera-Romero|first2=Emilia|date=2020-11-27 |title=Invasion history of ''Harmonia axyridis'' (Pallas, 1773) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) in Ecuador |journal=PeerJ|language=en|volume=8|article-number=e10461|doi=10.7717/peerj.10461|pmid=33312773|pmc=7703374 |doi-access=free}}</ref> thumb|Asian Lady Beetle Habitat Range
===North America=== right|240px|thumb|Typical ''H. axyridis'' specimen from northern California This species spread across continents because of human-mediated processes. They became established in North America as the result of introductions into the United States in an attempt to control the spread of aphids. In the last three decades, this insect has spread throughout the US and Canada, and has been a prominent factor in controlling aphid populations. The first introductions into the US took place as far back as 1916.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Gordon |first1=Robert |title=The Coccinellidae (Coleoptera) of America North of Mexico |journal=Journal of the New York Entomological Society |date=January 1985 |volume=93 |issue=1 |page=19 |jstor=25009452 |url=http://www.jstor.org/stable/25009452 |access-date=24 June 2025}}</ref> The species repeatedly failed to establish in the wild after successfully controlling aphid populations, but an established population of beetles was observed in the wild near New Orleans, Louisiana, in about 1988.<ref>{{cite news |last1=De Quattro |first1=Jim |title=Gotcha!: Tiny lady beetles have big biocontrol potential |url=https://agresearchmag.ars.usda.gov/1995/mar/lady/ |access-date=24 June 2025 |work=Agricultural Research |agency=USDA |volume=43 |issue=3 |date=March 1995}}</ref> In the following years, it quickly spread to other states, being occasionally observed in the Midwest within five to seven years and becoming common in the region by about 2000. The species was also established in the Northwest by 1991, and the Northeast by 1994, aided by additional introductions from the native range, rather than just reaching there from the Southeast. Reportedly, it has heavily fed on soybean aphids (which recently appeared in the US after coming from China), supposedly saving farmers vast sums of money in 2001.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lady Beetle FAQs |url=https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/lady-beetle-faqs |access-date=2025-09-12 |website=Multi-Colored Asian Lady Beetle |language=en-us}}</ref>
===Worldwide propagation=== Worldwide routes of propagation of ''H. axyridis'' were described with genetic markers in 2010.<ref name="plosone"/> The populations in eastern and western North America originated from two independent introductions from the native range.<ref name="plosone">{{cite journal |author=Eric Lombaert |author2=Thomas Guillemaud |author3=Jean-Marie Cornuet |author4=Thibaut Malausa |author5=Benoît Facon |author6=Arnaud Estoup |year=2010 |title=Bridgehead Effect in the Worldwide Invasion of the Biocontrol Harlequin Ladybird |journal=PLoS ONE |volume=5 |issue=3 |article-number=e9743 |doi=10.1371/journal.pone.0009743 |pmid=20305822 |pmc=2840033 |bibcode=2010PLoSO...5.9743L |doi-access=free }}</ref> The South American and African populations both originated independently from eastern North America.<ref name="plosone" /> The European population also originated from eastern North America, but with substantial genetic admixture with individuals of the European biocontrol strain (estimated at 40%).<ref name="plosone" />
The species is widely considered to be one of the world's most invasive insects,<ref name="harlequin-survey">{{cite web|url=http://www.harlequin-survey.org/factfile/concern.htm|title=Harlequin Ladybird Survey - Origins|website=www.harlequin-survey.org|access-date=10 March 2018|archive-date=18 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190218175016/http://www.harlequin-survey.org/factfile/concern.htm}}</ref> putting native ladybird species at risk by outcompeting them, eating their eggs, and poisoning them. The blood of ''H. axyridis'' contains the antibacterial chemical harmonine, which helps harlequins resist diseases that affect other ladybirds, and is toxic to most native ladybirds if they eat a harlequin's eggs.<ref name="nature.com">{{cite journal|url=http://www.nature.com/news/invasive-ladybird-has-biological-weapon-1.13011|title=Invasive ladybird has biological weapon|first=Ed|last=Yong|journal=Nature|access-date=10 March 2018|doi=10.1038/nature.2013.13011|year=2013|s2cid=87225681|doi-access=free|url-access=subscription}}</ref> In addition, harlequins are carriers for a microsporidian parasite, which does not harm the harlequins but can infect and kill other species.<ref name="nature.com" /> Native ladybird species have experienced often dramatic declines in areas invaded by ''H. axyridis''.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Russell F. Mizell III |year= 2007|title=Impact of ''Harmonia axyridis'' (Coleoptera: Coccinellidea) on native arthropod predators on pecan and crape myrtle |journal=Florida Entomologist |volume=90 |issue=3 |pages=524–536 |jstor=4494179 |url=http://journals.fcla.edu/flaent/article/view/75692/73350 |format=PDF |doi=10.1653/0015-4040(2007)90[524:IOHACC]2.0.CO;2 |doi-access=free }}</ref> In Europe, harlequins are currently increasing to the detriment of indigenous species;<ref name="harlequin-survey" /> the harlequin's large range and longer reproductive period allow it to outcompete other ladybirds.<ref name="harlequin-survey" />In 2015, ''H. axyridis'' was declared the fastest-invading species in the UK, spreading throughout the country after the first sighting was confirmed in 2004.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Smith |first1=Lewis |title=Harlequin ladybirds declared UK's fastest invading species |url=https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/may/20/harlequin-ladybirds-declared-uks-fastest-invading-species |website=The Guardian |date=20 May 2015 |access-date=4 July 2020}}</ref>
The harlequin has a reputation as a household pest,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.orkin.com/other/beetles/ladybugs-asian-lady-beetles/|title=Orkin Asian Lady Beetles|date=11 April 2018}}</ref> due to their tendency to overwinter indoors and the unpleasant odor and stain left by their bodily fluids when frightened or crushed, as well as their tendency to bite humans.<ref name="harlequin-survey" /> In addition, the harlequin has been reported to be a minor agricultural pest that has been inadvertently harvested with crops in Iowa, Ohio, New York State, and Ontario,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/resource/2007achieve.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090116041430/http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/resource/2007achieve.htm |archive-date=January 16, 2009 |title=OMAFRA Achievements in Crop Technology 2007 |first=Betty |last=Summerhayes |date=July 6, 2007 |access-date=June 24, 2011 |publisher=Government of Ontario}}</ref> causing a detectable and distinctly unpleasant taste, known as "lady beetle taint".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Boggs |first1=Joe |last2=Jones |first2=Susan C. |title=Multicolored Asian Lady Beetle |url=https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/ENT-44 |website=Ohioline |publisher=The Ohio State University |access-date=2025-01-28}}</ref> In particular, contamination of grapes by the beetle has been found to alter the taste of wine.<ref>{{Cite journal |author1=Gary Pickering |author2=James Lin |author3=Roland Riesen |author4=Andrew Reynolds |author5=Ian Brindle |author6=George Soleas |title=Influence of ''Harmonia axyridis'' on the sensory properties of white and red wine |journal=American Journal of Enology and Viticulture |date=January 2004 |volume=55 |issue=2 |pages=153–159 |doi=10.5344/ajev.2004.55.2.153 |s2cid=94041532 |url=http://www.ajevonline.org/cgi/content/abstract/55/2/153|url-access=subscription }}</ref>
==Biology and behaviour== [[File:Hesperomyces harmoniae 225525665.jpg|right|240px|thumb|''Hesperomyces harmoniae'' on ''Harmonia axyridis''.]] ''Harmonia axyridis'' becomes dormant in cooler months, though it will move around whenever the temperature reaches about {{convert|10|C|F}}. Because the beetles will use crevices and other cool, dry, confined spaces to overwinter, significant numbers may congregate inside walls if given a large enough opening.
Large aggregations are often seen in autumn. The beetles have pheromones to signal to each other. However, many aggregation cues are visual, picking out sites at both long (light-coloured structures that are distinct from their surroundings) and short (pre-existing aggregations to join) distances. Non-volatile long-chain hydrocarbons laid down by previous aggregations also play a significant role in site selection. Both visual and hydrocarbon cues are more important than volatile pheromones.
{{Easy CSS image crop|desired_width=250|Image=Asian Lady Beetle imported from iNaturalist photo 81445052 on 2 December 2024.jpg|crop_top_perc=20|crop_bottom_perc=20|align=right|caption=Larval cannibalism}}
They often congregate in sunlit areas because of the heat available, so even on fairly cold winter days, some of the hibernating beetles will "wake up" because of solar heating. Large populations can be problematic because they can form swarms and linger in an area for a long time. The beetles can form groups that stay in upper corners of windows. This beetle has been also found to be attracted to dark screening material for its warmth. It has good eyesight; it will return to a location from which it is removed, and is known to give a small bite if provoked.<ref>{{cite web|title=Multicolored Asian Ladybeetle (''Harmonia axyridis'')|url=http://www.pestid.msu.edu/InsectsArthropods/MulticoloredAsianLadybeetleHarmoniaaxyridis/tabid/253/Default.aspx|access-date=2010-06-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100609093705/http://www.pestid.msu.edu/InsectsArthropods/MulticoloredAsianLadybeetleHarmoniaaxyridis/tabid/253/Default.aspx|archive-date=2010-06-09}}</ref>
Similar to most ladybeetles, ''H. axyridis'' is a primarily carnivorous species, eating Hemipteran insects such as aphids. However, the beetles also feed on fruits like grapes and raspberries; this switch to fruit-feeding, hypothesized to increase resources for overwintering, is unusual for Coccinellidae.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Koch |first1=Robert L. |last2=Galvan |first2=Tederson L. |date=February 2008 |title=Bad side of a good beetle: the North American experience with Harmonia axyridis |url=http://link.springer.com/10.1007/s10526-007-9121-1 |journal=BioControl |language=en |volume=53 |issue=1 |pages=23–35 |doi=10.1007/s10526-007-9121-1 |bibcode=2008BioCo..53...23K |issn=1386-6141|url-access=subscription }}</ref> Their generalist feeding preferences have contributed to their success as an invasive and agricultural pest around the world.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Lemic |first1=Darija |last2=Pajač Živković |first2=Ivana |last3=Šuliček |first3=Matea |last4=Benítez |first4=Hugo A. |date=2021-08-18 |title=Exploratory Analysis of Color Forms' Variability in the Invasive Asian Lady Beetle Harmonia axyridis (Pallas 1773) |journal=Animals |language=en |volume=11 |issue=8 |pages=2436 |doi=10.3390/ani11082436 |doi-access=free |issn=2076-2615 |pmc=8388642 |pmid=34438893}}</ref>
''H. axyridis'', like other ladybeetles or ladybirds, uses isopropyl methoxy pyrazine as a defensive chemical to deter predation, and also carries this chemical in its hemolymph at much higher concentrations than many other ladybeetle species, along with species- and genus-specific defensive compounds such as harmonine. These insects will "reflex bleed" when agitated, releasing hemolymph from their legs. The liquid has a foul odour (similar to that of dead leaves), a bitter taste, and can stain porous materials. Some people have allergic reactions, including allergic rhinoconjunctivitis when exposed to these beetles.<ref name="Koch" /> Occasionally, the beetles will bite humans,<ref name="Koch" /> presumably in an attempt to acquire salt, although many people feel a pricking sensation as a beetle walks across the skin. Bites normally do no more harm than cause irritation, although a small number of people are allergic to bites.<ref>{{cite web |title=Medscape |url=http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/547512?src=mp |access-date=August 18, 2006 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090608155941/http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/547512?src=mp |archive-date=June 8, 2009 }}</ref> Their natural predators include birds, spined soldier bugs, ants (including the also invasive ''Solenopsis invicta'') and other coccinellids, including fellow ''Harmonia axyridis''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Harmonia_axyridis/|title = Harmonia axyridis| website=Animal Diversity Web }}</ref>
These beetles can be difficult to identify because of their variations in color, spot size, and spot count of the elytra. The easiest way to identify ''H. axyridis'' f. succinea is to look at the pronotum and see whether the black markings look like a letter "W" or "M". This species has more white markings on the pronotum than have most native North American species, though this feature is not useful when attempting to separate it from species in other parts of the world.
<gallery mode="packed" heights="125"> HarAxy ontwikkeling.jpg|Life cycle: mating, eggs, five larval stages, pupa and newly emerged adult Harmonia axyridis (Harlequin ladybirds) mating 2.jpg|Mating MIII8004.jpg|Larva (left), adult (center), and pupa (right) Harmonia axyridis - botanischer Garten Schönbrunn.jpg|Spotted adult Mariquita asiática multicolor (Harmonia axyridis), Hartelholz, Múnich, Alemania, 2020-06-28, DD 01-28 FS.jpg|With elytra slightly open Mariquita asiática multicolor (Harmonia axyridis), Hartelholz, Múnich, Alemania, 2020-06-28, DD 37-45 FS.jpg|Detail of head and thorax Harmonia axyridis with wings unfolded.jpg|Wings spread out Coccinella in Parc du Bois-de-Coulonge uncut version.jpg|Ready for flight </gallery>
==Control== Numerous methods of control have been investigated in areas where this beetle has been introduced and causes a threat to native species and biodiversity and to the grape industry. Methods of control include insecticides, trapping, removal of aggregates of beetles, and mechanically preventing entry to buildings.<ref name=Kenis>{{cite journal |author1=Marc Kenis |author2=Helen E. Roy |author3=Renate Zindel |author4=Michael E. N. Majerus |year=2008 |title=Current and potential management strategies against ''H. axyridis'' |journal=BioControl |volume=53 |issue=1 |pages=235–252 |doi=10.1007/s10526-007-9136-7|s2cid=19892524 |url=http://doc.rero.ch/record/8844/files/zindel_cpm.pdf }}</ref> Methods under development involve the investigation of natural parasites and pathogens, including the use of parasitic sexually transmitted mites and fungal diseases.<ref>{{cite journal |author1=Helen Elizabeth Roy |author1-link= Helen Roy |author2=Peter M. J. Brown |author3=Peter Rothery |author4=Remy L. Ware |author5=Michael E. N. Majerus |year=2008 |title=Interactions between the fungal pathogen ''Beauveria bassiana'' and three species of coccinellid: ''Harmonia axyridis'', ''Coccinella septempunctata'' and ''Adalia bipunctata'' in: From Biological Control to Invasion: the Ladybird ''Harmonia axyridis'' as a Model Species|journal=BioControl |volume=53 |issue=1 |pages=265–276 |doi=10.1007/s10526-007-9122-0 |s2cid= 33076473 |url=http://nora.nerc.ac.uk/2453/|url-access=subscription }}</ref>
The best methods for dealing with ''H. axyridis'' in private homes involve sealing openings they may enter.<ref name="usda">{{cite web |url=http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/br/lbeetle/#prevention |title=USDA site |publisher=Ars.usda.gov |access-date=2010-07-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100720033527/http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/br/lbeetle/#prevention |archive-date=2010-07-20 }}</ref> Sweeping and vacuuming are considered effective methods for removing them from homes, though this should be done carefully so as not to trigger reflex bleeding. A nylon stocking placed inside the vacuum cleaner's hose, secured with a rubber band, allows the beetles to be "bagged" rather than collected inside the machine.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/ENT-44 |title=Ohio State University Extension Fact Sheet |publisher=Ohioline.osu.edu |access-date=2017-04-29}}</ref> A trap designed for indoor use was developed which attracts the beetles with a light and seals them in a removable bag.<ref name="usda"/>
== Biochemistry == ''Harmonia axyridis ''secretes a number of defensive compounds, one of which, (9Z,17R)-9-Octadecene-1,17-diamine ({{not a typo|harmonine}}) has been isolated from its hemolymph. This molecule has been reported to have broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity that includes human pathogens. Antibacterial activity is most pronounced against fast-growing mycobacteria and ''Mycobacterium tuberculosis'', and the growth of both chloroquine-resistant ''Plasmodium falciparum'' strains is also inhibited;<ref>{{cite journal |title=Harmonine, a defence compound from the harlequin ladybird, inhibits mycobacterial growth and demonstrates multi-stage antimalarial activity |author=Christian Rene Röhrich |author2=Che Julius Ngwa |author3=Jochen Wiesner |author4=Henrike Schmidtberg |author5=Thomas Degenkolb |author6=Christian Kollewe |author7=Rainer Fischer |author8=Gabriele Pradel |author9=Andreas Vilcinskas |journal=Biology Letters |volume=8 |issue=2 |date=21 September 2011 |pmc=3297383 |doi=10.1098/rsbl.2011.0760 |pmid=21937493 |pages=308–311}}</ref> causative agents of tuberculosis and malaria respectively.
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== References == {{Reflist|30em}}
== External links == * {{Commons-inline}} * [http://www.insectscience.org/3.32/ An extensive review of literature on the multicolored Asian lady beetle] * [http://www.ipm.msu.edu/invasive_species/multi-colored_asian_lady_beetle/faqs The multi-colored Asian lady beetle FAQ] * [https://web.archive.org/web/20121210225825/http://www.harlequin-survey.org/ Report sightings of the harlequin ladybird in the British Isles] * [https://web.archive.org/web/20071118200207/http://www.nev.nl/nieuws/2004/vrns-2004-07_bestanden/gezocht.html Report sightings of the harlequin ladybird in the Netherlands] * [http://entomology.ifas.ufl.edu/creatures/beneficial/multicolored_asian_lady_beetle.htm Multicolored Asian lady beetle], University of Florida / Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences ''Featured Creatures'' * [https://web.archive.org/web/20110706221412/http://www.agroscope.admin.ch/biosicherheit/03919/index.html?lang=en Swiss agricultural research station Agroscope: Project on Asian lady beetle control]
{{Taxonbar|from=Q499627}} {{Authority control}}
Category:Coccinellidae Category:Beetles of Asia Category:Beetles of North America Category:Biological pest control beetles Category:Insects used as insect pest control agents Category:Beetles described in 1773 Category:Taxa named by Peter Simon Pallas