Ladybird Beetle (Harmonia axyridis) Snacking on Oleander Aphids (Aphis nerii)

Habitat: On vegetation beside a pond. I watched this beetle rip through 4-5 aphids in just a few minutes. It always chose the smaller ones.

comments (4)

Ferdy Christant

Lion

This is excellent. We have 100+ photos of this species and this seems to be the only one clearly documenting its feeding behavior, nice! Posted 6 years ago
1. Christine Young
  
  Lion
  
  Wow, well I'm glad that I caught this one in the act! Isn't it interesting that it only ate the smaller aphids? It would pass right over the big, juicy ones. Posted 6 years ago
2. 1. Ferdy Christant
    
    Lion
    
    Yes, that definitely is interesting. Already full? Less effort? No clue, sorry. Posted 6 years ago
  2. 1. Christine Young
      
      Lion
      
      Maybe just because smaller ones are easier. I don't know, but I like to imagine some larger meaning like they are genetically programmed to feast in this manner. Posted 6 years ago

The Multicolored Asian Lady Beetle

"Harmonia axyridis", most commonly known as the harlequin, multicoloured Asian, or Asian ladybeetle, is a large coccinellid beetle. This is one of the most variable species in the world, with an exceptionally wide range of colour forms.

Info 137 1

Similar species: Beetles

Species identified by Christine Young