Harlequin Ladybird

Description:

Common 19-spot variety (var. succinea) of Harmonia axyridis.

Habitat:

Urban area inside house.

Notes:

This species is widely considered to be one of the world’s most invasive insects, partly due to their tendency to overwinter indoors and the unpleasant odor and stain left by their bodily fluid when frightened or squashed, as well as their tendency to bite humans. In Europe it is currently increasing to the detriment of indigenous species, its voracious appetite enabling it to outcompete and even eat other ladybirds. The harlequin ladybird is also highly resistant to diseases that affect other ladybird species and carries microsporidian parasite to which it is immune but that can infect and kill other species.Native ladybird species have experienced often dramatic declines in abundance in areas invaded by H. axyridis. (Wikipedia)