Seven-spot ladybirds
With seven black spots on its red wing cases, the seven-spot ladybird is one of the most familiar insects. Both adults and larvae help gardens by eating large numbers of aphids.
- Length
- 5–8 mm
- Diet
- Insectivore
- Class
- Invertebrate
Figures are approximate for adults and vary by sex, subspecies and population.
At a glance
The key facts about Seven-spot ladybirds.
- Where does it live?It is common in Europe, Asia and North Africa and has also been carried to North America.
- What does it eat?Both adults and larvae mainly eat aphids; a single ladybird can eat thousands of aphids in its lifetime.
- Behaviour and lifeWhen threatened, it releases a yellow, bitter fluid from its leg joints and may play dead.
- Life cycleThe female lays her eggs near aphid colonies.
In depth
In short
- The seven-spot ladybird is one of the most common ladybirds in Europe and Asia.
- Both larvae and adults feed on aphids.
- Its bright colour tells predators it tastes bad.
- It spends the winter as an adult, often in groups in sheltered spots.
- It can be seen almost everywhere in Türkiye.
The seven-spot ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata) is a small beetle recognisable by the seven black spots on its red or orange wing cases. Under the wing cases are thin wings used for flying.
Where does it live?
It is common in Europe, Asia and North Africa and has also been carried to North America. It is found in meadows, fields, gardens and almost anywhere aphids occur.
What does it eat?
Both adults and larvae mainly eat aphids; a single ladybird can eat thousands of aphids in its lifetime. That is why it is known as a natural helper for pest control on farms and in gardens.
Behaviour and life
When threatened, it releases a yellow, bitter fluid from its leg joints and may play dead. Its bright colours tell birds it tastes bad. It spends the winter as an adult under bark, in leaf litter or in sheltered corners of buildings, often in groups.
Life cycle
The female lays her eggs near aphid colonies. The larvae that hatch look nothing like the adults, with long, spiny bodies. The larvae moult several times, pupate and then become adult ladybirds.
Conservation status
There is no global IUCN assessment for this species. It is common, but pesticides and, in some areas, competition with the invasive harlequin ladybird may affect native ladybird species.
Fun facts
- A ladybird's number of spots does not show its age; it depends on the species.
- In many cultures the ladybird is believed to bring good luck.
- Ladybirds fly by opening their wing cases and using the thin wings underneath.
Similar animals
Other animals in the same group.
Monarch butterflyKnown for its orange-and-black wings, the monarch butterfly makes one of the longest migrations in the insect world. In North America, millions of monarchs overwinter together in Mexican forests.Explore
Praying mantisKnown for the front legs it folds as if in prayer, the praying mantis is a patient and skilled insect hunter. It is common in Türkiye's meadows, gardens and field edges.ExploreRespect for nature, stronger tomorrows
Protecting wildlife is everyone's responsibility.
If you find an injured or young wild animal, don't touch it; inform your local wildlife authority. More knowledge, more awareness.
- Respect natural habitats
- Watch wild animals from afar
- Leave no litter in nature
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