‘24 & Hannah Lewis, Contributing Writer ‘24
Recently, orange insects with black spots have been sighted outside the 500 wing. These are Asian lady beetles, or Harmonia axyridis, not to be confused with ladybugs. Ladybugs are red and have fewer spots than Asian lady beetles. As the name suggests, Asian lady beetles are native to Asia — primarily China, Taiwan, Russia, Korea, and Japan.
Asian lady beetles have been categorized as invasive because they compete with native ladybugs for the same food, though they are not generally considered a threat to wildlife or crops. These insects are not harmful to New Jersey’s plants. Unlike spotted lanternflies, Asian lady beetles should not be “stomped out.” The US Poison Control released a statement saying, “The Bottom Line: Asian lady beetles (Harmonia axyridis) were introduced by the US Department of Agriculture to help control crop pests.” Similar to many spiders, Asian lady beetles eat aphids and other soft-bodied insects which often harm crops.
Why are the Asian lady beetles taking a liking to the outside of the English wing? Mr. Michels, horticulture and biology teacher, commented, “I have seen “lady beetles” and/or “ladybugs” on the outside of the building lately. It is a common fall occurrence where I believe they are trying to find a place to overwinter.” Asian lady beetles are attracted to illuminated surfaces, looking for the afternoon sun’s warmth on buildings during the colder months. The English wing receives ample sunlight because it faces Southwest, which explains the insects’ swarming.
Students may have noticed Asian lady beetles entering their classrooms. Be wary of these insects because they do bite — though they’re not venomous. Avoid letting them inside to prevent infestation. A couple of classrooms, including room 612, have been littered with them for a few weeks, causing classes to move to different classrooms around the buildings to avoid students being bitten.
Though Asian lady beetles have been classified as invasive, there’s no need to take action. Allow these critters to patrol garden beds and forest floors. Take the time to appreciate the golden colors that Asian lady beetles have to offer.
