Two-spotted lady beetle vs Twice-stabbed lady beetle
These two are easy to mix up. Here's how to tell a two-spotted lady beetle from a twice-stabbed lady beetle, and whether either one bites or stings.
Two-spotted lady beetle
Adalia bipunctata
Twice-stabbed lady beetle
Chilocorus stigma
≠The key differences
The black (melanic) form of Adalia bipunctata also has red spots, but they sit near the shoulders, the pronotum has pale markings, and the body is less helmet-shaped.
⚖︎Side by side
| Two-spotted lady beetle | Twice-stabbed lady beetle | |
|---|---|---|
| To humans | Non-toxic | Non-toxic |
| Size | 3.5-5 mm long | 3-5 mm long |
| Colours | Red, Black, Orange | Black, Red-orange |
| Family | Coccinellidae | Coccinellidae |
| Habitat | Gardens, orchards, parks, hedgerows, field margins and other places where aphids occur; also found on trees and shrubs | Trees and shrubs (especially where scale insects are present), orchards, gardens, bark crevices and leaf litter |
| Range | Holarctic: native across much of Europe, Asia and North America; declining in parts of North America | Widespread across much of North America (United States and southern Canada) |
| Active | Spring to autumn; active by day (diurnal); adults overwinter in sheltered sites | Active spring through early fall; most active during warm daylight hours when hunting prey |
| Pest? | No | No |
🔍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
🔍How to spot a twice-stabbed lady beetle
- Small (3-5 mm), shiny black, rounded, helmet-shaped beetle with one red/orange spot on each elytron.
- Spots are distinct and sit near the middle of each elytron, away from the midline.
- Found on bark, branches and foliage near scale insect colonies; larvae are dark, elongated and alligator-like.
?Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a two-spotted lady beetle and a twice-stabbed lady beetle?
The black (melanic) form of Adalia bipunctata also has red spots, but they sit near the shoulders, the pronotum has pale markings, and the body is less helmet-shaped.
Is a two-spotted lady beetle or a twice-stabbed lady beetle more dangerous?
Two-spotted lady beetle: Non-toxic. Twice-stabbed 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.