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

• lady beetleThe multicoloured Asian lady beetle was introduced to the United States with a clear purpose.
• Starting as early as 1916, agricultural officials released the insect, scientifically known as Harmonia axyridis, in an effort to control aphids, scale insects and other crop pests without relying as heavily on chemical insecticides.
• It was an appealing form of biological control, but the story took an unexpected turn.