This is one of the most variable species of ladybirds in the world, with an exceptionally wide range of color forms. It is native to eastern Asia, but has been artificially introduced to North America and Europe to control plant lice.
There are many colour pattern varieties of the Harlequin Ladybird. Three of the most common morphological forms of Harmonia axyridis found in Europe are:
- Harmonia axyridis succinea (red/orange with 0 up to 19 dots),
- Harmonia axyridis conspicua (black with 2 red/orange dots), and
- Harmonia axyridis spectabilis (black with 4 red-orange dots).

The photo shows the form conspicua.

Appelhülsen, Germany, 15 August 2012