Extension > Garden > Diagnose a problem > What insect is this? > General/curiosity insects > Insects without obvious wings: less than ½ inch long > Multicolored Asian lady beetle

Multicolored Asian lady beetle

Harmonia axyridis

Jeff Hahn, University of Minnesota Extension

Suzanne Wold-Burkness, Department of Entomology, University of Minnesota

Description: 1/3 inch long.
Coloring ranges from orange to red. Typically has 19 black spots that can vary in number and size. The most reliable identifying characteristic is the black M-shaped marking behind its head.

Where/When: Found outdoors in gardens, landscapes and fields from spring to fall. Can accidentally enter homes and be seen periodically during the winter.

Significance: Important beneficial insect, feeding primarily on aphids. Can be a nuisance when they enter your home.

More information on the Multicolored Asian lady beetle