The fourth instar larvae (shown here) of Harmonia axyridis bear tubercles that bear apical spines. The dominant color is blue-gray to blue-black, while there is an orange patch down each side of the abdomen (occupying abdominal segments 1-5).
Aphids, scale insects, and other agricultural pests make up the diet of both adults and larvae of Harmonia axyridis.
The life history of Harmonia axyridis includes an egg stage of about four days, a larval stage of about thirteen days, and a pupal stage lasting five to six days. The development times may be slowed by cool weather.
Adult Harmonia axyridis can be a nuisance as they often mass inside houses to pass the winter.
Above: the brightly colored pupa of Harmonia axyridis.
Below: the cast-off pupal case (exuviae) of Harmonia axyridis.
Insects of West Virginia
