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Project Noah Nature School
Harmonixa axyridis
Its colour ranges from yellow-orange to black, and the number of spots between 0 and 22. (Wikipedia) The male on the picture got 16 spots and the female 17 spots on this picture.
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. The ones on the picture: meadow with some single trees and bushes
These little fellows are called ladybird beetle or lady beetle or God's cow or ladyclock or lady cow or lady fly too.
I just saw a lady beetle with 19 spots. I thought I was miscounting. A pitty, that I did not have my camera with me.
Wonderful photo! This species has many variations in color and pattern - it can have anywhere from zero to 19 spots, or be black with red spots!
Spotted on May 5, 2012
Submitted on May 6, 2012
