Harlequin ladybird

Scientific name: Harmonia axyridis (Pallas, 1773)

Other common names: Multicoloured Asian Ladybird, Halloween Ladybug.

Identification features

highly variable in colour (yellow to orange to black)
variable in number of spots (0-20)

Some of the main features that distinguish it from Ireland’s 15 native species are its:

larger size of 6-8mm long
more domed shape than the native species
usually reddish to brown legs
can have a distinctive ‘M’ or ‘W’ on the protonum (back of the head)

Impact

Can seriously affect native ladybird species
May cause a reduction in biodiversity
Indirect pest of orchard crops which can affect fruit quality and the taste of wine
Nuisance in buildings when swarm in large congregations
Can bite humans resulting in slight reaction. Few serious reactions reported

Known distribution

This is its known distribution as of November, 2011

Additional information

Species Alert poster – please circulate
Species alert with additional info
Ladybirds of Ireland Survey website
The GB Harlequin Ladybird Survey
Download Harlequin ladybird identification sheet
Download description sheet for our native ladybirds
Download identification key to ladybirds in Ireland (by Roy Anderson)
[Book] Majerus, M. and Kearns, P. (1989). Ladybirds. Naturalists’ handbooks 10. The Company of Biologists Ltd.
[Book] Roy, H. et al. (2011). Ladybirds (Coccinellidae) of Britain and Ireland. FSC Publications.

Images

There are many different forms within the one species. The 3 most common forms recorded in Great Britain are the 3 forms also only recorded here in Ireland. They are form succinea, form conspicua and form spectabilis. See photos.