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Biological and biochemical parameters of a flightless strain of Harmonia axyridis, fed on a pork liver–based artificial diet and on Ephestia kuehniella eggs as controls, were compared. The diet‐grown larvae showed a significantly longer developmental time and a lower adult emergence rate compared to control larvae. The weights of the newly emerged adults were significantly higher for adults fed E. kuehniella eggs during their larval stages than fed the artificial diet. In contrast, larval food source had no effect on the duration of the pre‐oviposition period or adult longevity. For adults fed on E. kuehniella eggs as larvae, a significantly longer pre‐oviposition period, lower daily weight gain and fecundity were found for the diet‐fed females compared to those fed on E. kuehniella eggs throughout the life span. The adult food source had no significant effect on longevity and fertility. Lower amino acid and fatty acid …