The area just behind the head and in front of the wing covers is white with a black, M-shaped mark. In the late 1970s, this species of lady beetle was introduced into many agricultural areas throughout the United States and Canada because of its great value as a biological control agent. It was first found in Missouri in 1993. During the growing season, the Asian lady beetle is a very beneficial insect because both the larval and adult stages feed on aphids, mealybugs, scale and other soft-bodied insects infesting many important crops and plants.
Healthy adults can live up to three years.
The multicolored Asian lady beetle can have as many as 19 spots, or it can have no spots. Unfortunately, the vertical symmetry of houses and other buildings appears to attract the beetles as suitable overwintering areas, and they often congregate on a home's outside walls, windows, doors or porch decks that are light-colored and have a south or southwest exposure. The beetles will enter buildings through poorly fitting window screens and doors, cracks and crevices, and vents. They tend to congregate in dark, undisturbed areas such as attics and wall voids. In March and April when temperatures become warmer and the days are longer, the beetles will try to move outside in search of food.