The average time from egg to adult is about one month and there are multiple generations per year. The non-mobile cocoon (pupal) stage remains attached to vegetation by its molted skin, but occasionally may be found clinging to exterior walls of buildings. Larvae complete their development on plants where their primary food (aphids) is abundant. The immatures (larvae) are often orange and black and shaped somewhat like tiny alligators. Most beetles have a small, dark "M" or "W"-shaped marking on the whitish area behind the head.Įggs are yellow, oval, and typically are laid in clusters on the undersides of leaves. Multi-spotted individuals tend to be females while those with few or no spots tend to be males. ![]() They often have several black spots on the wing covers, although on some beetles the spots may be indistinct or entirely absent. Their color can vary widely from tan to orange to red. DESCRIPTION AND HABITSĪdult Asian lady beetles are oval, convex, and about 1/4-inch long. originated not from these intentional releases, but from beetles accidentally transported into New Orleans on a freighter from Japan. No such releases were ever attempted in Kentucky, and their occurrence here is probably due to northward migration from other southern states. Some scientists believe that current infestations in the U.S. Large numbers of the beetles were released in several states including Georgia, South Carolina, Louisiana, Mississippi, California, Washington, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Maryland. Department of Agriculture attempted to establish the Asian lady beetle to control agricultural pests, especially of pecans and apples. Earliest records in Kentucky date back to a few specimens collected in Hickman County in 1992.ĭuring the 1960s to 1990s, the U.S. Since then the beetle has expanded its range to include much of the U.S. ![]() The first field populations in the United States were found in Louisiana in 1988. The beetle is native to Asia (e.g., China, Russia, Korea, Japan), where it dwells in trees and fields, preying on aphids and scale insects. The Asian Lady Beetle, Harmonia axyridis (Pallas), is relatively new to this country. In many areas of the U.S., these autumn invasions are such a nuisance that they affect quality of life.
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