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Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis)

Close up image of ladybird Harmonia axyridis with scale measure

Ladybirds (from the Coleoptera order) are an invasive species. Originally from eastern Asia, they are now spread throughout New Zealand and are often regarded as a pest. Ladybirds eat other insects, including scale insects and the eggs and larvae of butterflies and moths, and they also consume pollen, nectar, fruit juices and honeydew. A female ladybird lays around 1,000–2,000 eggs in her lifetime.

Image from: Martin, N. A. (2016, revised 2018). Harlequin ladybird – Harmonia axyridis. Interesting Insects and other Invertebrates. New Zealand Arthropod Factsheet Series Number 51. Date Accessed: 30 September 2019. ISSN 1179-643X.

Rights: Nicholas A. Martin, Plant & Food Research, CC BY 3.0 NZ
Published:31 October 2019Size: 45.08 KB