In 1916, the US began releasing Asian lady beetles to control aphids and scale insects; decades later Harmonia axyridis became invasive and was linked to declines of native ladybirds

Originally imported to the United States for biological pest control, the multicoloured Asian lady beetle, or Harmonia axyridis, has turned invasive. Competing with native ladybugs, this species disrupts ecosystems. While it helps manage aphid populations, it…