Multicolored Asian Lady Beetle

Description:

Its colour ranges from yellow-orange to black, and the number of spots between 0 and 22. It is native to eastern Asia, but 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, and has also established in South Africa and widely across South America. These beetles can be difficult to identify because of the 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 if the black markings look like a letter "W" or "M" (depending on if the marking is viewed from the front or the back).

Habitat:

Non-native, not really "invasive". This species 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 United States and Canada and has been a prominent factor in controlling aphid populations.

Notes:

Spotted on a blueberry bush along a wooded drive near an old church and cemetery and a utility plant.