Harmonia axyridis

Can you guess what this black and red insect is that's eating a small cabbage white caterpillar? I will give you a clue - it's in it's larvae stage...

This little feller and all it's family and friends, both larvae stage and adults, are more than welcome in our yard and gardens. After all, I would rather see this taking place versus having to hand pick the bad insects off our plants to get rid of them. The kale plants were not only hosting destructive insects but also many, many of these beneficial insects too.

Give up?

How bout another clue - it is an effective biological control agent in agricultural and landscape environments.

Anything? Give up yet?

OK, one more clue - it has become a major nuisance to homeowners because of its habit of invading houses and buildings in large numbers while searching for protected sites to overwinter in the fall (mid-October to early November) and appearing again on warm, sunny days in February and March.

Well, how bout now, anything?

Take a stab at it, guess.

Very well, it's - Harmonia axyridis (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)