The harlequin ladybird (Πασχαλίτσα αρλεκίνος)

Description:

The harlequin ladybird, Harmonia axyridis, is native to Asia but has been intentionally introduced to many countries as a biological control agent of pest insects but has spread to many countries within which it was not intentionally released. 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 2 or 4 red markings respectively. 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. However, numerous other forms have also been recorded. Extreme forms may be entirely black all over, or feature unusual patterns of black, orange and red. This pale orange-yellow black spotted adult was found climbing on a wall of a house, in Tzoumerka mountains, Epirus region Greece. It was the only harmonia axyridis ladybeetle I met, during my 4-day visit in the area.