Ecology and biological control application of multicoloured Asian ladybird, Harmonia axyridis: A review

The ecology of and biological control by multicoloured Asian ladybird beetle, Harmonia axyridis (Pallas) are reviewed. Our emphasis is on assembling and interpreting information on general characteristics, invasion and establishment, sexual activity, foraging and predation, development, survival and reproduction, predator-predator interactions, natural enemies, biocontrol, non-target effects and status of H. axyridis as a pest of fruits. Colonization of H. axyridis for aphid biocontrol in the USA have been successful in terms of its establishment, but its abundance is turning out to be a nuisance to humans. Its harmful non-target impact on beneficial organisms, humans and native species is becoming a debatable issue. The question on its present position, whether it is a biocontrol agent or pest, is a critical issue and discussed. Inferences from the empirical data are made and new avenues for future research are suggested.