The eggs, which are laid upright in clusters of about twenty, are oval and yellow. The life cycle from egg to adult takes about thirty-six days beginning in midspring while the weather is still cool. The eggs are laid on the undersides of leaves of low-growing ornamentals, roses, wheat, tobacco, and other crops. They take from three to five days to hatch. During the first twelve to fourteen days after hatching, the larvae use their chewing mouthparts to feed on aphids and scale insects.
Adults emerge five or six weeks after pupation and can live as long as two to three years.
The multicolored Asian lady beetles congregate outside houses, sheds, and other buildings during the fall in search of overwintering sites. Mating occurs later the next spring. Once inside, they hang in clusters in the corners of ceilings. Despite this, they cause concern among homeowners. Asian lady beetles become active again in February and March during warm, sunny days.