Asian lady beetle vs Pink spotted lady beetle
These two are easy to mix up. Here's how to tell an Asian lady beetle from a pink spotted lady beetle, and whether either one bites or stings.
Asian lady beetle
Harmonia axyridis
Pink spotted lady beetle
Coleomegilla maculata
≠The key differences
Often larger and more variable in colour and spot pattern; H. axyridis usually has a distinctive 'M' or 'W' shaped dark mark on the pronotum and can be more orange to red with variable spot numbers.
⚖︎Side by side
| Asian lady beetle | Pink spotted lady beetle | |
|---|---|---|
| To humans | Mild irritant | Non-toxic |
| Size | 5-8 mm long | 5-6 mm long |
| Colours | Orange, Red, Black, Yellow | Pink, Red-orange, Black, Pale cream |
| 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. | Open habitats: agricultural fields, gardens, meadows, orchards, roadsides and edges where aphid prey and flowering plants occur |
| Range | Native to eastern Asia; introduced and now widespread across North America, Europe, South America, southern Africa and parts of Oceania. | Widespread across North America; found in much of the United States and southern Canada |
| Active | Active spring through autumn; aggregates to overwinter in autumn and are mostly inactive during winter. | Spring to fall; most active during warm daylight hours |
| 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 pink spotted lady beetle
- Small (5-6 mm), oval, somewhat elongate beetle with pink to red elytra
- Six black spots on each elytron (twelve in total), sometimes partly merged
- Pink to red pronotum with two large black spots
- Larvae are elongated, dark and alligator-like (typical lady beetle larvae)
?Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an Asian lady beetle and a pink spotted lady beetle?
Often larger and more variable in colour and spot pattern; H. axyridis usually has a distinctive 'M' or 'W' shaped dark mark on the pronotum and can be more orange to red with variable spot numbers.
Is an Asian lady beetle or a pink spotted lady beetle more dangerous?
Asian lady beetle: Mild irritant. Pink spotted lady beetle: Non-toxic. Bites are uncommon and usually produce only minor, short-lived discomfort. Not dangerous.
Identification from photos is never certain: don't handle insects you can't identify, and get medical advice for bites, stings or allergic reactions.