Asian lady beetle vs Large spotted ladybird
These two are easy to mix up. Here's how to tell an Asian lady beetle from a large spotted ladybird, and whether either one bites or stings.
Asian lady beetle
Harmonia axyridis
Large spotted ladybird
Harmonia conformis
≠The key differences
H. axyridis is very variable (orange with 0-19 spots, or black with red spots) and often has an M- or W-shaped mark on the pronotum; H. conformis is consistently orange with about 20 spots. Locality also helps.
⚖︎Side by side
| Asian lady beetle | Large spotted ladybird | |
|---|---|---|
| To humans | Mild irritant | Non-toxic |
| Size | 5-8 mm long | 5-7 mm long (adult body length) |
| Colours | Orange, Red, Black, Yellow | Orange-red, Black, White, Yellow |
| 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, orchards, agricultural fields, eucalypt woodland and forest edges; adults shelter under bark or in buildings to overwinter. |
| Range | Native to eastern Asia; introduced and now widespread across North America, Europe, South America, southern Africa and parts of Oceania. | Native to Australia (especially the south-east and Tasmania); introduced to New Zealand and Hawaii. |
| Active | Active spring through autumn; aggregates to overwinter in autumn and are mostly inactive during winter. | Most active in spring and summer; adults may aggregate and be found indoors in autumn and winter. |
| Pest? | Yes | No |
🔍How 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.
🔍How to spot a large spotted ladybird
- Relatively large ladybird with oval, domed body 5-7 mm long.
- Orange elytra with about 20 black spots (around 10 per wing cover), some occasionally merged.
- Pronotum pale with distinctive black markings forming central dark patches or comma-like marks.
- Larvae are dark, elongated and alligator-like, commonly found on plants with aphids.
?Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an Asian lady beetle and a large spotted ladybird?
H. axyridis is very variable (orange with 0-19 spots, or black with red spots) and often has an M- or W-shaped mark on the pronotum; H. conformis is consistently orange with about 20 spots. Locality also helps.
Is an Asian lady beetle or a large spotted ladybird more dangerous?
Asian lady beetle: Mild irritant. Large spotted ladybird: Non-toxic. Bites are uncommon and usually produce only minor, short-lived discomfort. Not dangerous or venomous.
Identification from photos is never certain: don't handle insects you can't identify, and get medical advice for bites, stings or allergic reactions.