I first noticed them while hiking at Pickle Springs Natural Area. Swarms of bright beetles surrounded me as they sought shelter in the cracks of boulders. They ranged from orange-red to tawny yellow. Some had many distinct black spots while others sported no spots at all. I thought they were ladybugs and felt "lucky" when one landed on me. Until it bit me.

"Ouch! That ladybug just bit me." I said to my friend.

"Do ladybugs bite?" she asked.

"Well, either ladybugs bite or these aren't ladybugs," I replied.

Curiosity got the better of me so I did some research. Turns out the little nippers were actually Asian lady beetles (Harmonia axyridis). Unlike our native ladybugs, which they may displace, Asian lady beetles do, indeed, bite. These imported beetles can also wear out their welcome by sneaking into buildings where they overwinter in fragrant masses.

Want to know if you have Asian lady beetles? Visit Bug Guide for more information. Or, just wait and see if they bite.

- Bronwyn Voth - TheCuriousB(U-G)

Thanks:
Special Thanks to Stephen R. Penn, my "personal" entomologist (and also an actual entomologist by education and trade), for double-checking this post for me. Stephen also shared this article from the MU IPM program. It describes how Asian lady beetles' powerful aromas can ruin wine.

Sources:
Bug Guide
Species Harmonia axyridis - Multicolored Asian Lady Beetle

Creature Control
Facts on the Asian Lady Beetle

University of Kentucky Department of Entomology - Michael F. Potter, Ric Bessin and Lee Townsend
Asian Lady Beetle Infestation of Structures

University of Missouri Extension - Bruce Barrett and Wayne Bailey
Multicolored Asian Lady Beetle