Asian lady beetle vs Two-spotted lady beetle
These two are easy to mix up. Here's how to tell an Asian lady beetle from a two-spotted lady beetle, and whether either one bites or stings.
Asian lady beetle
Harmonia axyridis
Two-spotted lady beetle
Adalia bipunctata
≠The key differences
Typically has two distinct black spots on a red background and a different pronotal pattern; smaller and less variable than H. axyridis.
Often larger (6-8 mm), highly variable spot number and typically a distinct M- or W-shaped dark marking on the pronotum not usually seen in Adalia bipunctata.
⚖︎Side by side
| Asian lady beetle | Two-spotted lady beetle | |
|---|---|---|
| To humans | Mild irritant | Non-toxic |
| Size | 5-8 mm long | 3.5-5 mm long |
| Colours | Orange, Red, Black, Yellow | Red, 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, orchards, parks, hedgerows, field margins and other places where aphids occur; also found on trees and shrubs |
| Range | Native to eastern Asia; introduced and now widespread across North America, Europe, South America, southern Africa and parts of Oceania. | Holarctic: native across much of Europe, Asia and North America; declining in parts of North America |
| Active | Active spring through autumn; aggregates to overwinter in autumn and are mostly inactive during winter. | Spring to autumn; active by day (diurnal); adults overwinter in sheltered sites |
| 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 two-spotted lady beetle
- Small domed beetle 3.5-5 mm long with one large spot on each elytron (two spots total) in the common red/orange form
- Colour polymorphism: check for black form with a pair of orange/red spots; pronotal markings (white or pale patches) help confirm identity
- Smaller and with different pronotal pattern than the larger Harmonia axyridis (Asian lady beetle) and different spot counts from Coccinella septempunctata
?Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an Asian lady beetle and a two-spotted lady beetle?
Typically has two distinct black spots on a red background and a different pronotal pattern; smaller and less variable than H. axyridis. Often larger (6-8 mm), highly variable spot number and typically a distinct M- or W-shaped dark marking on the pronotum not usually seen in Adalia bipunctata.
Is an Asian lady beetle or a two-spotted lady beetle more dangerous?
Asian lady beetle: Mild irritant. Two-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.