Asian lady beetle vs Convergent lady beetle
These two are easy to mix up. Here's how to tell a asian lady beetle from a convergent lady beetle, and whether either one bites or stings.
Asian lady beetle
Harmonia axyridis
Convergent lady beetle
Hippodamia convergens
≠The key differences
Usually orange with many smaller spots and convergent white lines on the pronotum; lacks H. axyridis typical pronotal M-mark.
Often more variable in color and spot number; pronotum is mostly pale with a black M- or W-shaped marking rather than the two converging white spots of H. convergens.
⚖︎Side by side
| Asian lady beetle | Convergent lady beetle | |
|---|---|---|
| To humans | Mild irritant | Non-toxic |
| Size | 5-8 mm long | 3.5-7 mm long |
| Colours | Orange, Red, Black, Yellow | Orange-red, Black, White |
| Family | Coccinellidae | Coccinellidae |
| Habitat | Gardens, orchards, agricultural fields, parks and buildings; often found on aphid-infested plants and congregating on sunny walls and window frames in autumn. | Gardens, fields, meadows, forest edges and shrubby areas; often on plants with aphid infestations and in sheltered overwintering sites such as rock crevices, buildings and trees. |
| Range | Native to eastern Asia; introduced and now widespread across North America, Europe, South America, southern Africa and parts of Oceania. | Native to North America; abundant in the United States and Canada. Has been transported for commercial biocontrol to other regions. |
| Active | Active spring through autumn; aggregates to overwinter in autumn and are mostly inactive during winter. | Active spring through fall; adults congregate to overwinter in autumn and become active in spring. Diurnally active (daytime). |
| Pest? | Yes | No |
🔍How to spot a asian lady beetle
- Size 5-8 mm long, dome-shaped beetle with highly variable color and spot pattern.
- Look for the M- or W-shaped black marking on the pale pronotum behind the head.
- Melanic individuals may be nearly all black; count of spots is unreliable because pattern varies.
- Larvae are elongate, black with orange markings and look like tiny alligators.
🔍How to spot a convergent lady beetle
- Look for orange-red, dome-shaped beetles about 3.5-7 mm long with black spots on the elytra.
- Check the pronotum behind the head for two white markings or lines that converge toward the center (the 'convergent' mark).
- Larvae are elongated, dark and spiny with orange spots (look like tiny alligators), often on plants with aphids.
?Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a asian lady beetle and a convergent lady beetle?
Usually orange with many smaller spots and convergent white lines on the pronotum; lacks H. axyridis typical pronotal M-mark. Often more variable in color and spot number; pronotum is mostly pale with a black M- or W-shaped marking rather than the two converging white spots of H. convergens.
Is a asian lady beetle or a convergent lady beetle more dangerous?
Asian lady beetle: Mild irritant. Convergent lady beetle: Non-toxic. Bites are uncommon and usually produce only minor, short-lived discomfort. Harmless to people.
Identification from photos is never certain: don't handle insects you can't identify, and get medical advice for bites, stings or allergic reactions.