Ladybugs, also known as lady beetles or ladybird beetles, are a diverse group of beetles with over 5,000 species worldwide, many of which vary widely in color, size, and spot patterns. Here is an overview of the main kinds of ladybugs, highlighting some common and notable species.
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Common Types of Ladybugs
Seven-Spotted Ladybug (Coccinella septempunctata)
One of the most recognizable species, bright red with seven black spots—three on each wing cover and one central spot. Native to Europe but introduced widely in North America. Adults measure up to 10 mm.
Asian Lady Beetle (Harmonia axyridis)
Originally from Asia, now widespread globally. Color varies from pale orange to bright red, with zero to over 20 black spots. Distinguished by a characteristic white and black “M” or “W” shaped marking on the pronotum (the shield-like area behind the head). Known to swarm homes in autumn and can bite.
Two-Spotted Ladybug (Adalia bipunctata)
Red with two prominent black spots on the elytra and large white spots on the pronotum that resemble eyes. Found in Europe and North America, important for pest control.
Twenty-Spotted Ladybug (Psyllobora vigintimaculata)
Small (about 2-3 mm), with a cream or yellow base color and 20 brown or black spots. Unlike many ladybugs, it feeds on mildew rather than aphids.
Orange-Spotted Ladybug (Brachiacantha ursina)
Shiny black with bright orange or yellow spots. Small size (3-4 mm) and dome-shaped body.
Convergent Lady Beetle (Hippodamia convergens)
Common in North America, bright red with about 12 black spots. Widely used in biological pest control.
California Lady Beetle (Coccinella californica)
Red with no black spots but a distinctive black line down the center of its back and a mostly black head with white spots. Native to California.
Ashy Gray Ladybug (Olla v-nigrum)
Gray, white, or tan with small black spots. Common in southern U.S. and Central America.
Thrice-Struck Ladybug (Axion tripustulatum)
Black with three red spots, about 3 mm long, native to North America.
Broad-Striped Ladybug (Paranaemia vittigera)
Pink to violet with three black vertical stripes; rare yellow and black morph exists.
General Characteristics
Colors: Red, orange, yellow, black, white, gray, pink, and combinations thereof.
Spot Patterns: From no spots to over 20 spots; some have stripes or fused spots.
Size: Typically 2 mm to over 10 mm in length.
Habitat: Found worldwide in gardens, fields, forests, and sometimes inside homes during colder months.
Diet: Mostly predators of aphids and other soft-bodied insects; some species feed on mildew or pollen.
Distinguishing Ladybugs from Look-Alikes
Some beetles resemble ladybugs but are not true ladybugs, such as the clerid beetle, scarlet lily beetle, and Colorado potato beetle. Key identification features include the shape of the pronotum and spot patterns.