Harlequin ladybird can be a pest in disguise

The eastern Asia native has an astonishing ability to eat aphids, but spreads rapidly and harbors a parasite that kills other species. The harlequin ladybird was once a stalwart ally of greenhouse growers around the world. Native to Japan, Korea and other parts of eastern Asia, the bright red ladybugs were prized for their aphid-eating abilities — until they caused serious declines in other ladybug populations.

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