Tip Top Bio-Control Technical Bulletin

Harmonia axyridis
Multicolored Asian Lady Beetle

Target Pests:
Many species of soft-bodied insects such as psyllids, aphids and scales.

Description:
Harmonia axyridis is a yellow to orange colored lady beetle that is often seen in large congregations on buildings around the end of October, hence one of its common names is the Halloween lady beetle. The adult lady beetle is quite varied in appearance. Individuals can range in color from a pale yellow-orange to a deep orange-red, and have from no spots to more than 20 black spots. Adults are oval and convex, about 6 mm long, and 5 mm wide. In fully spotted beetles, each wing cover has 10 black spots. Eggs are bright yellow, laid in clusters of about 20 on the undersides of leaves. The eggs hatch in 3-5 days, and the larvae feed up in the trees for 12 to 14 days. They then pupate on the leaves and adults emerge in 5-6 days.

Release Rates:
It is believed that females overwinter in protected sites unmated, with the majority of the population mating later in the spring. Eggs generally hatch in 3 to 5 days. The larval stage lasts 12 to 14 days, and the pupal stage, which takes place on leaves, lasts 5 to 6 days. An adult is capable of consuming 90 to 270 aphids per day, and each larva can consume 600 to 1200 aphids during its development. Best conditions for release are before 16 hours and temperature below 54°F (12°C). Release of 100 to 500 per acre and 100 to 200 for greenhouses.

Product information:
Harmonia axyridis is supplied 50 and 100 per bottle.

Lifespan :
Females overwinter in protected sites unmated, with most of the population mating later in the spring. Eggs generally hatch in 3 to 5 days. The larval stage lasts 12 to 14 days, and the pupal stage, which takes place on leaves, lasts 5 to 6 days. Development from egg to adult can take 36 days longer in cool spring weather. After they emerge, adults can live as long as 2 to 3 years under optimal conditions.

Strategic Considerations:
The best technique for managing the lady beetle is first to first seal cracks and openings around windows, doors, siding, and utility pipes with a high quality silicone or silicone-latex caulk in order to prevent their entry into houses and other buildings. Even though H. axyridis is an important biological control agent, it can become a nuisance when they collect in large numbers on homes or buildings. For several days during autumn they typically cluster on sunny, southwest sides of light-colored rock outcroppings or structures where nearby crevices serve as overwintering sites. Pesticides should never be used to control populations of H. axyridis. Repair door and window screens or other openings to the outdoors using regular window screening (about 18 X 16 mesh size). If beetles still gain entry into living spaces, they should be removed using a broom and dustpan, or vacuum cleaner, and released outdoors. When using a broom and dustpan, gently collect the beetles to avoid alarming them. If alarmed, they may discharge a yellow fluid that can stain walls, paint, and fabrics, and that has an unpleasant odor. When alarmed all lady beetles do this reflex bleeding. This blood comes out of the leg joints.