Ladybirds (from the Coleoptera order) are an invasive species. Originally from eastern Asia, they are now spread throughout New Zealand and are often regarded as a pest. Ladybirds eat other insects, including scale insects and the eggs and larvae of butterflies and moths, and they also consume pollen, nectar, fruit juices and honeydew. A female ladybird lays around 1,000–2,000 eggs in her lifetime.
Image from: Martin, N. A. (2016, revised 2018). Harlequin ladybird – Harmonia axyridis. Interesting Insects and other Invertebrates. New Zealand Arthropod Factsheet Series Number 51. Date Accessed: 30 September 2019. ISSN 1179-643X.
