multicolored Asian lady beetle

noun

Definition of multicolored Asian lady beetle

: an Asian ladybug (Harmonia axyridis) that has multiple color patterns ranging from yellowish-orange to red with or without black spots on the wing covers, that was introduced into the U.S. to control other insect pests (such as aphids and scale insects), and that is now widely distributed One particular type of ladybug, the multicolored Asian lady beetle, has developed the rude habit of invading houses in chilly months, entering through cracks and crevices to find a warm place to curl up for the winter.— Don Finley, San Antonio Express-News, 27 Dec. 2004 The most notorious local example of biological control gone haywire is the multicolored Asian lady beetle, a bug brought to the U.S. as early as 1916 and used to control aphids on Southern pecan trees.— John Keilman, Chicago Tribune, 2 July 2008

— called also (British) harlequin ladybird