| Harmonia axyridis | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification 
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| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Coleoptera |
| Family: | Coccinellidae |
| Genus: | Harmonia |
| Species: | H. axyridis
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| Binomial name | |
| Harmonia axyridis (Pallas, 1773)
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| Synonyms | |
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Harmonia axyridis is a large lady beetle or ladybug species that is most commonly known as the harlequin, Asian, or multicoloured Asian lady beetle. This is one of the most variable species in the world, with an exceptionally wide range of colour forms.[1] It is native to eastern Asia, but has been artificially introduced to North America and Europe to control aphids and scale insects. It is now common, well known, and spreading in those regions, and has also established in Africa and widely across South America. This species is conspicuous in North America, where it may locally be known as the Halloween beetle, as it often invades homes during October to overwinter.[2]
When the species first arrived in the UK, it was labelled in jest as the "many-named ladybird" due to the great quantity of vernacular names. Among those already listed other names include multivariate, southern, Japanese, and pumpkin ladybird.[3]
- ^ "Adalia, Field Guide to Ladybugs of North America on the App Store". App Store. Retrieved 10 March 2018.
- ^ R. L. Koch (2003). "The multicolored Asian lady beetle, Harmonia axyridis: A review of its biology, uses in biological control, and non-target impacts" (PDF). Journal of Insect Science. 3: 32. doi:10.1093/jis/3.1.32. PMC 524671. PMID 15841248.
- ^ Ladybird Survey page "Harmonia axyridis (Pallas) in Britain" "Harmonia axyridis, the invasive harlequin ladybird (Coccinellidae) establishing in London, Essex and the UK". Archived from the original on 2008-01-17. Retrieved 2008-01-07. Accessed 7 Jan 2008