Seven-spot ladybird vs Fourteen-spotted ladybird
These two are easy to mix up. Here's how to tell a seven-spot ladybird from a fourteen-spotted ladybird, and whether either one bites or stings.
Seven-spot ladybird
Coccinella septempunctata
Fourteen-spotted ladybird
Propylea quatuordecimpunctata
β The key differences
Smaller and has many small spots (around 14) often on a yellow or orange background, not the seven large spots of C. septempunctata.
Larger beetle with seven distinct black spots on red or orange elytra; overall bigger and less densely spotted than P. quatuordecimpunctata.
βοΈSide by side
| Seven-spot ladybird | Fourteen-spotted ladybird | |
|---|---|---|
| To humans | Non-toxic | Non-toxic |
| Size | 5-8 mm body length | 3.5-5 mm long |
| Colours | Red, Black, White, Dark brown | Yellow, Black, Orange |
| Family | Coccinellidae | Coccinellidae |
| Habitat | Gardens, meadows, hedgerows, orchards, farmland and other vegetated areas with aphid presence; occasionally enters buildings to overwinter. | Gardens, meadows, hedgerows, agricultural fields, shrubs and other vegetation where aphids are present; also shelters for overwintering in leaf litter and buildings. |
| Range | Native to Europe and parts of Asia; introduced and established in North America and other regions as a biological control agent. | Native across much of Europe and parts of western Asia; introduced and established in parts of North America. |
| Active | Spring to autumn for feeding and breeding; adults active by day. Overwintering in autumn and winter in sheltered sites. | Active mainly spring through autumn; diurnal (daytime) hunters; adults often most visible in warm sunny weather. |
| Pest? | No | No |
πHow 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).
πHow to spot a fourteen-spotted ladybird
- Small size (about 3.5-5 mm) and rounded, domed beetle shape
- Yellow to cream elytra marked with squarish black spots, often counted as fourteen and frequently merged
- Pronotum pale with a dark central marking; body outline and spot pattern differ from larger ladybirds
- Be aware of dark (melanic) variants; check size and habitat if spot pattern is unclear
?Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a seven-spot ladybird and a fourteen-spotted ladybird?
Smaller and has many small spots (around 14) often on a yellow or orange background, not the seven large spots of C. septempunctata. Larger beetle with seven distinct black spots on red or orange elytra; overall bigger and less densely spotted than P. quatuordecimpunctata.
Is a seven-spot ladybird or a fourteen-spotted ladybird more dangerous?
Seven-spot ladybird: Non-toxic. Fourteen-spotted ladybird: Non-toxic. Not dangerous. This species does not pose a health risk.
Identification from photos is never certain: don't handle insects you can't identify, and get medical advice for bites, stings or allergic reactions.