The invasion of ladybugs is perplexing many in Istria, and one of the leading newspapers on the peninsula has come up with an article about the phenomenon today. Apparently, this is a species that comes from Asia, which is why it is widely known as the Asian ladybug. As of late, it has invaded both North America and Europe. In America it is also known as the Japanese ladybug, and in Britain as the Harlequin ladybug. Its Latin name is wonderful enough: Harmonia axyridis. It is usually orange with black spots, but it can also be black with orange spots. A native of Eastern Asia, it prepares for hibernation around this time of the year. It comes out of it as soon as the temperature rises in early spring. Most people think of it as a pest, because of its tendency to spend the winter indoors. It also has an unpleasant odor, and it leaves yellow stains when frightened. Besides, it has a tendency to bite humans. One way or another, this helps explain my sightings of the ladybug in February and October. However, the connection with climate change is still to be explained. The article in question does not even mention it, though. Why is the ladybug from Eastern Asia spreading to North America and Europe at this particular time? Chances are that both continents are getting considerably warmer to make the invasion possible.