Harmonia axyridis | Centre for Invasion Biology

Species details

Species name: Harmonia axyridis

Family name: Coccinellidae

Common name: Harlequin ladybird | Asian ladybeetle | Multicoloured Asian ladybeetle

Origin: Asia

Where in SA: All nine provinces

Where in world: All continents, accept Australia and Antarctica

The harlequin ladybird, Harmonia axyridis, is one of the world’s worst invasive insects. It can be distinguished from other ladybirds by the black ‘M’ or ‘W’ on its neck. The number of black spots on its body can vary from 0 to 20, and it can range in colour from light orange to dark red. It is between 0.5 and 1 cm in size. (Photo credit: Ingrid A. Minnaar)

History/use/why/how

Introduced to Europe and North America as biological control of aphids and other agricultural pests, as well as accidental introductions to other places. First record in SA, mid 2001 in the Western Cape. Even though initially deemed highly beneficial, Harmonia axyridis is now recognized as a NEMBA category 1b invasive species in South Africa.

Impact and control

Impact/neg effect:

Threat to native ladybird species (competition and predation), household nuisance (congregating, reflex bleeding causing stains, they can bite, and cause allergic reactions), agricultural impact (grapes/wine industry – can taint the wine if accidentally processed with the harvest)

Control: Mechanically preventing them from entering buildings, hand collecting or trapping, but no effective method yet to stop their colonization.

Category: NEMBA 1b

What can you do?

Please take pictures and report on iNaturalist, especially sightings in provinces other than the Western Cape: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations?place_id=6986&taxon_id=48484

References

Gallery

Category 1a Invasive species requiring compulsory control. Remove and destroy. Any specimens of Category 1a listed species need, by law, to be eradicated from the environment. No permits will be issued.
Category 1b Invasive species requiring compulsory control as part of an invasive species control programme. Remove and destroy. These plants are deemed to have such a high invasive potential that infestations can qualify to be placed under a government sponsored invasive species management programme. No permits will be issued.
Category 2 Invasive species regulated by area. A demarcation permit is required to import, possess, grow, breed, move, sell, buy or accept as a gift any plants listed as Category 2 plants. No permits will be issued for Cat 2 plants to exist in riparian zones.
Category 3 Invasive species regulated by activity. An individual plant permit is required to undertake any of the following restricted activities (import, possess, grow, breed, move, sell, buy or accept as a gift) involving a Category 3 species. No permits will be issued for Cat 3 plants to exist in riparian zones.

Resource South African National Biodiversity Institute