Seven-Spotted Ladybug vs Asian Lady Beetle
Seven-Spotted Ladybugs and Asian lady beetles are easy to mix up at a glance, but a few details separate them quickly. Here is how to tell which one you found and what, if anything, you should do about it.
Quick answer
Check for this first. A seven-spotted ladybug has bright red, dome-shaped body, while an Asian lady beetle has orange to red dome-shaped body with a variable number of spots.
Side-by-side comparison
| Seven-Spotted Ladybug | Asian Lady Beetle | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Beetles | Beetles |
| Scientific name | Coccinella septempunctata | Harmonia axyridis |
| Size | 5–8 mm | 5–8 mm |
| Colors | Red and Black | Orange, Red and Black |
| Legs | 6 legs | 6 legs |
| Wings | Yes | Yes |
| Bites or stings | No | Bites |
| Risk | Harmless | Nuisance |
| Key feature | Bright red, dome-shaped body | Orange to red dome-shaped body with a variable number of spots |
Key differences
- Color: Seven-Spotted Ladybugs are red and black; Asian lady beetles are orange, red and black.
- Risk: the seven-spotted ladybug poses no real threat to people, pets or property, while the Asian lady beetle is a nuisance pest but not a health threat to most people.
- Where found: look for seven-spotted ladybugs in gardens and on plants; Asian lady beetles turn up indoors and in gardens and on plants.
- Signature feature: Seven-Spotted Ladybugs: bright red, dome-shaped body. Asian Lady Beetles: orange to red dome-shaped body with a variable number of spots.
How to identify seven-spotted ladybugs
A rounded, dome-shaped beetle with red wing covers and seven black spots. Both adults and larvae eat aphids, making it one of the most welcome insects in any garden.
- Bright red, dome-shaped body
- Seven black spots, three on each side and one at the front center
- Black head with two small white patches
How to identify Asian lady beetles
An imported lady beetle that ranges from pale orange to red with anywhere from zero to 19 spots. In fall it gathers in large numbers on sunny walls and slips indoors to spend the winter.
- Orange to red dome-shaped body with a variable number of spots
- Black M- or W-shaped mark on the white area behind the head
- Clusters on south- and west-facing walls in fall
Which one is more dangerous?
The Asian lady beetle carries more risk. They can give a mild pinch and release a yellow, smelly fluid that stains, but they carry no disease.
Seven-spotted ladybugs are harmless to people and pets and do not damage plants. They can give a mild pinch and release a yellow, smelly fluid that stains, but they carry no disease.
Where and when you'll see each
Seven-Spotted Ladybugs turn up in gardens and on plants, mostly in spring and summer. Asian Lady Beetles turn up indoors and in gardens and on plants, mostly in fall and winter.
Because they share habitat, you may find both in the same place, so check each individual.
What to do if you find one
Seven-Spotted Ladybugs: no control is needed. Seven-spotted ladybugs are harmless to people and pets and do not damage plants.
Asian Lady Beetles: Seal gaps around windows, doors, siding and utility lines before fall. Read the full removal guide for more.
Biology: beetles
Beetles go through complete metamorphosis: egg, larva (grub), pupa and adult. The larval stage often does the most feeding and damage, and it can last from a few weeks to several years depending on the species. Adults protect their flight wings under hard wing covers called elytra, which is why most beetles look armored and meet in a neat line down the back.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main difference between seven-spotted ladybugs and Asian lady beetles?
Color: Seven-Spotted Ladybugs are red and black; Asian lady beetles are orange, red and black.
Which is bigger, a seven-spotted ladybug or an Asian lady beetle?
Seven-Spotted Ladybug: 5–8 mm. Asian Lady Beetle: 5–8 mm.
Do seven-spotted ladybugs or Asian lady beetles bite?
Seven-Spotted Ladybugs do not bite. Asian Lady Beetles can bite.
Where are they usually found?
Seven-Spotted Ladybugs: in gardens and on plants. Asian Lady Beetles: indoors and in gardens and on plants.