Picture-Winged Fly vs Asian Multicolored Lady Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Picture-Winged Fly Asian Multicolored Lady Beetle
Scientific Name Delphinia picta Harmonia axyridis
Order Diptera Coleoptera
Family Ulidiidae Coccinellidae
Size 5-8 mm 5-8 mm
Habitat Underground Underground
Diet Herbivores Omnivores
Regions North America East Asia; invasive worldwide
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

Picture-Winged Fly

A small fly with beautifully patterned wings that it waves in display like tiny semaphore flags. The wing patterns may serve in species recognition and courtship.

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Did You Know?

When walking, it continuously waves its patterned wings in a mesmerizing display, resembling a tiny insect conductor leading an orchestra.

Asian Multicolored Lady Beetle

A highly variable ladybird ranging from orange with many spots to solid black. Originally released for biocontrol, it is now invasive worldwide.

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Did You Know?

It aggregates in enormous numbers on buildings in autumn, sometimes numbering in the thousands.