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.
- Longitud
- 5–8 mm
- Alimentación
- Insectívoro
- Clase
- Invertebrado
Las cifras son aproximadas para adultos y varían según el sexo, la subespecie y la población.
De un vistazo
Los datos clave sobre Mariquitas de siete puntos.
- 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.
En detalle
En resumen
- 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.
Animales similares
Otros animales del mismo grupo.
Respeto por la naturaleza, mañanas más fuertes
Proteger la fauna silvestre es responsabilidad de todos.
Si encuentras un animal silvestre herido o una cría, no lo toques y avisa a la autoridad local de protección de la naturaleza. Más conocimiento, más conciencia.
- Respeta los hábitats naturales
- Observa a los animales desde lejos
- No dejes basura en la naturaleza
- Apoya un futuro sostenible
