Seven-spot ladybird vs Two-spotted lady beetle
These two are easy to mix up. Here's how to tell a seven-spot ladybird from a two-spotted lady beetle, and whether either one bites or stings.
Seven-spot ladybird
Coccinella septempunctata
Two-spotted lady beetle
Adalia bipunctata
≠The key differences
Has two black spots on red elytra and different pronotum markings; usually smaller and the spot arrangement differs.
Larger and with seven black spots on red elytra (three on each elytron plus one shared spot), unlike the two-spot pattern of Adalia bipunctata.
⚖︎Side by side
| Seven-spot ladybird | Two-spotted lady beetle | |
|---|---|---|
| To humans | Non-toxic | Non-toxic |
| Size | 5-8 mm body length | 3.5-5 mm long |
| Colours | Red, Black, White, Dark brown | Red, Black, Orange |
| Family | Coccinellidae | Coccinellidae |
| Habitat | Gardens, meadows, hedgerows, orchards, farmland and other vegetated areas with aphid presence; occasionally enters buildings to overwinter. | Gardens, orchards, parks, hedgerows, field margins and other places where aphids occur; also found on trees and shrubs |
| Range | Native to Europe and parts of Asia; introduced and established in North America and other regions as a biological control agent. | Holarctic: native across much of Europe, Asia and North America; declining 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. | Spring to autumn; active by day (diurnal); adults overwinter in sheltered sites |
| Pest? | No | No |
🔍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).
🔍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 a seven-spot ladybird and a two-spotted lady beetle?
Has two black spots on red elytra and different pronotum markings; usually smaller and the spot arrangement differs. Larger and with seven black spots on red elytra (three on each elytron plus one shared spot), unlike the two-spot pattern of Adalia bipunctata.
Is a seven-spot ladybird or a two-spotted lady beetle more dangerous?
Seven-spot ladybird: Non-toxic. Two-spotted lady beetle: 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.