Convergent lady beetle vs Two-spotted lady beetle

These two are easy to mix up. Here's how to tell a convergent lady beetle from a two-spotted lady beetle, and whether either one bites or stings.

≠The key differences

Usually has two large black spots on the elytra and lacks the converging white pronotal marks; body proportions and spot pattern differ.

	Convergent lady beetle	Two-spotted lady beetle
To humans	Non-toxic	Non-toxic
Size	3.5-7 mm long	3.5-5 mm long
Colours	Orange-red, Black, White	Red, Black, Orange
Family	Coccinellidae	Coccinellidae
Habitat	Gardens, fields, meadows, forest edges and shrubby areas; often on plants with aphid infestations and in sheltered overwintering sites such as rock crevices, buildings and trees.	Gardens, orchards, parks, hedgerows, field margins and other places where aphids occur; also found on trees and shrubs
Range	Native to North America; abundant in the United States and Canada. Has been transported for commercial biocontrol to other regions.	Holarctic: native across much of Europe, Asia and North America; declining in parts of North America
Active	Active spring through fall; adults congregate to overwinter in autumn and become active in spring. Diurnally active (daytime).	Spring to autumn; active by day (diurnal); adults overwinter in sheltered sites
Pest?	No	No

Look for orange-red, dome-shaped beetles about 3.5-7 mm long with black spots on the elytra.
Check the pronotum behind the head for two white markings or lines that converge toward the center (the 'convergent' mark).
Larvae are elongated, dark and spiny with orange spots (look like tiny alligators), often on plants with aphids.

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

Usually has two large black spots on the elytra and lacks the converging white pronotal marks; body proportions and spot pattern differ.

Convergent lady beetle: Non-toxic. Two-spotted lady beetle: Non-toxic. Harmless to people. 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.