Asian lady beetle vs Seven-spot ladybird
These two are easy to mix up. Here's how to tell a asian lady beetle from a seven-spot ladybird, and whether either one bites or stings.
Asian lady beetle
Harmonia axyridis
Seven-spot ladybird
Coccinella septempunctata
≠The key differences
Usually has a consistent pattern of seven black spots on red elytra and lacks the M-shaped pronotal mark commonly seen in H. axyridis.
Highly variable in colour and spot number; its pale pronotum often bears a black M- or W-shaped mark and variable spot patterns, while C. septempunctata has a consistent seven-spot pattern.
⚖︎Side by side
| Asian lady beetle | Seven-spot ladybird | |
|---|---|---|
| To humans | Mild irritant | Non-toxic |
| Size | 5-8 mm long | 5-8 mm body length |
| Colours | Orange, Red, Black, Yellow | Red, Black, White, Dark brown |
| 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, orchards, farmland and other vegetated areas with aphid presence; occasionally enters 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 Europe and parts of Asia; introduced and established in North America and other regions as a biological control agent. |
| Active | Active spring through autumn; aggregates to overwinter in autumn and are mostly inactive during winter. | Spring to autumn for feeding and breeding; adults active by day. Overwintering in autumn and winter in sheltered sites. |
| 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 seven-spot ladybird
- Bright red to orange elytra with seven clear black spots (three on each elytron and one shared spot at the front of the wing covers).
- Black head and pronotum with distinct white or pale markings on the pronotum.
- Broad, dome-shaped beetle 5-8 mm long with shiny appearance.
- Larvae are dark, elongated and alligator-like with orange markings (if present on plants with aphids).
?Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a asian lady beetle and a seven-spot ladybird?
Usually has a consistent pattern of seven black spots on red elytra and lacks the M-shaped pronotal mark commonly seen in H. axyridis. Highly variable in colour and spot number; its pale pronotum often bears a black M- or W-shaped mark and variable spot patterns, while C. septempunctata has a consistent seven-spot pattern.
Is a asian lady beetle or a seven-spot ladybird more dangerous?
Asian lady beetle: Mild irritant. Seven-spot ladybird: 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.