Asian lady beetle

noun

variants or less commonly Asian ladybug

: multicolored asian lady beetle

The yellow to dark-orange Asian lady beetle is invading Northeast Ohio homes by the hundreds, even thousands, slipping through the smallest cracks, swarming around doors and windows, looking for warmth.

—Debbi Snook, Plain Dealer (Cleveland, Ohio), 17 Oct. 2001

An unforeseen consequence of the Asian ladybug's importation is that the insect has a habit of swarming on—and in—homes …

—Mary Esch, Washington Post, 5 Oct. 2008

Word History

First Known Use

1994, in the meaning defined above

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now