Asian lady beetle vs Fourteen-spotted ladybird
These two are easy to mix up. Here's how to tell an Asian lady beetle from a fourteen-spotted ladybird, and whether either one bites or stings.
Asian lady beetle
Harmonia axyridis
Fourteen-spotted ladybird
Propylea quatuordecimpunctata
β The key differences
Highly variable in colour and pattern and often larger; harlequin may have a distinctive M- or W-shaped marking on the pronotum and frequently outcompetes native species.
βοΈSide by side
| Asian lady beetle | Fourteen-spotted ladybird | |
|---|---|---|
| To humans | Mild irritant | Non-toxic |
| Size | 5-8 mm long | 3.5-5 mm long |
| Colours | Orange, Red, Black, Yellow | Yellow, Black, Orange |
| 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, meadows, hedgerows, agricultural fields, shrubs and other vegetation where aphids are present; also shelters for overwintering in leaf litter and buildings. |
| Range | Native to eastern Asia; introduced and now widespread across North America, Europe, South America, southern Africa and parts of Oceania. | Native across much of Europe and parts of western Asia; introduced and established in parts of North America. |
| Active | Active spring through autumn; aggregates to overwinter in autumn and are mostly inactive during winter. | Active mainly spring through autumn; diurnal (daytime) hunters; adults often most visible in warm sunny weather. |
| Pest? | Yes | No |
πHow to spot an 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.
πHow to spot a fourteen-spotted ladybird
- Small size (about 3.5-5 mm) and rounded, domed beetle shape
- Yellow to cream elytra marked with squarish black spots, often counted as fourteen and frequently merged
- Pronotum pale with a dark central marking; body outline and spot pattern differ from larger ladybirds
- Be aware of dark (melanic) variants; check size and habitat if spot pattern is unclear
?Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an Asian lady beetle and a fourteen-spotted ladybird?
Highly variable in colour and pattern and often larger; harlequin may have a distinctive M- or W-shaped marking on the pronotum and frequently outcompetes native species.
Is an Asian lady beetle or a fourteen-spotted ladybird more dangerous?
Asian lady beetle: Mild irritant. Fourteen-spotted ladybird: Non-toxic. Bites are uncommon and usually produce only minor, short-lived discomfort. This species does not pose a health risk.
Identification from photos is never certain: don't handle insects you can't identify, and get medical advice for bites, stings or allergic reactions.