Royal Alberta Museum: Invertebrate Zoology - Bug Facts

[Caterpillars and Other Immature Insects]

Fact Sheets: Commonly Observed and Asked About Insects and Spiders Found in Alberta

Seven-spotted Ladybird Beetle (Coccinella septempunctata)

Seven-spotted Ladybird Beetle
Photo CD 0023 3291 1601, Image #26 - Credit: Terry Thormin

Ladybird Beetle larva
Photo CD 0023 3291 1601, Image #09 - Credit: Terry Thormin

INTRODUCTION

Ladybird beetles often catch the attention of people because of their habit of forming large aggregations in the fall. Adults overwinter in these aggregations under leaf litter and in other protected areas.

IDENTIFICATION

Most ladybird beetles (often called ladybugs) are easily recognized by their oval shape and red colour with black spots. With approximately 35 species in Alberta, identifying the exact species is a bit more of a challenge. The Seven-spotted is one of our largest ladybird beetles, getting up to 7 mm long. It has seven round black spots on the elytra (modified front wings that protect the body). Immatures are rather like short caterpillars, and are dark grey with yellow spots.

DISTRIBUTION

Throughout Alberta and most of North America. This species was originally introduced into North America from Europe in the 1950s.

TIME OF YEAR

Ladybird beetles become active quite early in the spring and remain active until quite late in the fall.

HABITAT AND HABITS

Seven-spotted Ladybird Beetles are now the most common ladybird beetle in Alberta and can be found in most habitats. These and other ladybird beetles are often encountered in large numbers in the fall when they are preparing to hibernate. At this time they can be found on a sunny, south or west facing wall or in the leaf litter when one is raking the lawn. Throughout the summer ladybird beetles can often be found in large numbers on the shores of larger lakes. These are insects that have been caught in the water and eventually washed ashore.

SIMILAR SPECIES

With approximately 35 species in Alberta it is impossible to describe them all here. The Two-spotted (Adalia bipunctata) has two spots on a red background, and the thirteen-spot (Hippodamia tredecimpunctata) has thirteen spots on an orange background. Others like the Parenthesis (Hippodamia parenthesis) are named after the shape of a particular spot. Not all are red or orange with black spots. Some are all black or black with red spots and some are even striped.

COMMENTS

The Seven-spotted Ladybird Beetle was brought in from Europe in the hope that it would help control populations of pests like aphids. It is doubtful that it has made any real difference, but what has happened is some of our native species have suffered a decline in populations since the Seven-spotted was introduced, perhaps because the Seven-spotted outcompetes them. Two-spotted Ladybird Beetles are the ones that most often turn up in people's homes in winter. Perhaps the best solution to ensure the beetles survive is to take them to a greenhouse that uses biocontrol.

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Last update: August 29 2008