| Scientific name | Coccinella septempunctata |
|---|---|
| Group | Beetles |
| Size | 5–8 mm (up to about 0.31 in) |
| Colors | Red and Black |
| Legs | 6 legs |
| Wings | Yes |
| Where found | Garden or plants |
| Most active | Spring and Summer |
| Bites | No |
| Stings | No |
| Risk level | Harmless |
How to identify it
The seven-spotted ladybug is a small member of the beetles group. Hard wing covers that meet in a straight line down the back. Check for these three features:
- 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
About this bug
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.
You'll usually find seven-spotted ladybugs in gardens and on plants. They are most active in spring and summer.
Is it dangerous?
Seven-spotted ladybugs are harmless to people and pets and do not damage plants.
Our rating: Harmless, meaning it poses no real threat to people, pets or property.
When you'll see seven-spotted ladybugs
Seven-Spotted Ladybugs are most active in spring and summer. In spring, overwintering adults become active and many species lay their first eggs. Summer heat speeds up development, so populations can grow quickly.
Typical places to check: garden or plants.
About beetles
The seven-spotted ladybug is one of the 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.
Look closely at larvae as well as adults. Grubs in soil, fuzzy larvae in closets and small worms in flour are all beetle larvae, and finding them tells you where the problem is centered.
Should you get rid of it?
No control is needed. Seven-Spotted Ladybugs are not pests, and many help by eating other insects or pollinating plants. If one is indoors, move it outside with a cup and a sheet of paper.
Bugs that look similar
Color: Seven-Spotted Ladybugs are red and black; Asian lady beetles are orange, red and black.
Frequently asked questions
What does a seven-spotted ladybug look like?
Bright red, dome-shaped body. Adults measure 5–8 mm (up to about 0.31 in).
Does the seven-spotted ladybug bite or sting?
It does not bite. It does not sting. Seven-spotted ladybugs are harmless to people and pets and do not damage plants.
Where do seven-spotted ladybugs live?
Seven-Spotted Ladybugs live in gardens and on plants.
When are seven-spotted ladybugs most active?
Mostly in spring and summer.