In 1982, the Asian ladybug, Harmonia axyridis, was brought to Europe by Dr. Gabriel Iperti of the French agricultural research institute INRA in Antibes. The insect was introduced as a biological control agent to help reduce aphid infestations in orchards and greenhouses. The Asian ladybug, which is between 5 to 8 millimeters in size, was selected because it reproduced quickly, was easy to breed in captivity, and had lower production costs than native ladybug species like the two-point ladybug, Adalia bipunctata. By 1990, targeted releases of the Asian ladybug began in southern France, and by 1993, the species was introduced into public spaces in Paris to manage rose aphids. In 1993, the commercial production of the Asian ladybug was handed over to the company Biotop, and by 1995, a specific strain known as the "bon voilier" was being sold commercially. Despite initial efforts to keep the ladybug within controlled environments, it began to escape and spread beyond greenhouses. By 1995, the species was being sold in France, Belgium, and the Netherlands, and by 2002, it had established itself in thirteen European countries. The rapid expansion of the Asian ladybug has led to its classification as one of the 100 worst invasive species in Europe, due to its ability to outcompete native species and disrupt local ecosystems. The Asian ladybug has had a major impact on native ladybug populations. It is known to attack the eggs and larvae of native species, such as the seven-spotted ladybug, contributing to their decline. Studies in the United Kingdom and Belgium have found that seven out of eight endemic ladybug species have seen their populations nearly halved between 2004 and 2012. Additionally, the Asian ladybug carries a microsporidium parasite that is deadly to native ladybugs but does not affect the Asian species, further worsening the decline of native populations. In the fall, Asian ladybugs seek shelter to hibernate, often entering homes in large numbers. This behavior contrasts with the more solitary hibernation habits of native ladybugs. The Asian ladybug can be distinguished by its white head with a visible black M or W when viewed from the front, its slightly larger size, and more developed tarsal claws. Scientists are divided on how to address the impact of the Asian ladybug. Some Belgian and British researchers argue that large-scale eradication is impractical due to the species' massive population, while others continue to explore targeted regulation methods. The debate remains open: should efforts focus on eradicating the Asian ladybug or on protecting the remaining native species from its effects?