Seven-spot ladybird vs Eyed ladybird

These two are easy to mix up. Here's how to tell a seven-spot ladybird from an eyed ladybird, and whether either one bites or stings.

≠The key differences

Smaller on average and its black spots lack pale halo rings; different spot pattern (seven spots)

	Seven-spot ladybird	Eyed ladybird
To humans	Non-toxic	Non-toxic
Size	5-8 mm body length	7-9 mm long
Colours	Red, Black, White, Dark brown	Orange-red, Black, Cream
Family	Coccinellidae	Coccinellidae
Habitat	Gardens, meadows, hedgerows, orchards, farmland and other vegetated areas with aphid presence; occasionally enters buildings to overwinter.	Coniferous and mixed forests, plantations, wooded hedgerows and occasionally gardens near trees
Range	Native to Europe and parts of Asia; introduced and established in North America and other regions as a biological control agent.	Northern and central Europe across Russia into Siberia and east to Japan; generally Palearctic in distribution
Active	Spring to autumn for feeding and breeding; adults active by day. Overwintering in autumn and winter in sheltered sites.	Spring to autumn; adults most active by day (diurnal); overwinter as adults
Pest?	No	No

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).

Large, rounded ladybird 7-9 mm long (larger than many common garden ladybirds)
Elytra orange-red with several large black spots each surrounded by a pale ring (gives the 'eyed' look)
Pronotum with distinctive black and pale markings; overall domed shape and short antennae
Found on conifers or nearby trees rather than low garden plants

Smaller on average and its black spots lack pale halo rings; different spot pattern (seven spots)

Seven-spot ladybird: Non-toxic. Eyed ladybird: Non-toxic. Not dangerous. 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.