Both adults and larvae are voracious predators of aphids, and are one of the gardener's greatest natural allies (4). Ladybirds lay their yellow eggs in small groups on leaves (5). The black larvae have relatively long legs, and they are active predators. When threatened, adults exude a bright yellow distasteful substance from the joints of the legs, which dissuades potential predators from eating a ladybird. Adults overwinter in garden sheds, amongst vegetation, in crevices in fences and a range of similar locations, and can often be discovered in fairly large numbers during this time. They emerge in March and April (4). There is much folklore centred on ladybirds; ladybird numbers are said to indicate the number of aphids due that particular year, they are also widely thought to bring good luck, particularly with regards to romance (4). There are many rhymes associated with these beetles, the most well known in England begins: 'Ladybird, ladybird, fly away, your house is on fire and your children are gone' (4).

Ladybirds are perhaps the most well-known and popular of all British beetles, and the seven-spot ladybird is one of the commonest species (2). This rounded beetle has bright red wing cases with 7 black spots, although some individuals may have more or fewer spots. The thorax is black with patches of pale yellow at the front corners (3). The common name of this group of beetles, 'ladybird', was originally given to the seven-spot in honour of the Virgin Mary; the red wing cases symbolising the Virgin's red cloak, with the seven spots representing her seven joys and seven sorrows. The larvae are blackish in colour and are active predators of aphids (4).

The seven-spotted ladybug is native to parts of western Europe, and has been introduced into much of North America (World Kids Network 1996, Marshall 2000).

Biogeographic Regions: nearctic (Introduced ); palearctic (Native )

Canada

Origin: Native

Regularity: Regularly occurring

Currently: Present

Confidence: Confident

Type of Residency: Year-round

United States

Origin: Native

Regularity: Regularly occurring

Currently: Present

Confidence: Confident

Type of Residency: Year-round

Found in central and northern Europe and is extremely common and widespread in Britain (3).

The adult seven-spotted lady beetle is relatively large (7-8 mm). The body is oval and dome-shaped, and it has a white or pale spot on either side of the head. The black spot pattern on the body is usually 1-4-2, with either red or orange forewings.

Lady beetle larva can grow up to 7-8 mm in length and are dark with three pairs of prominent legs. Eggs are about 1 mm long and are small and spindle shaped (Weeden, et al 1996).

Range length: 7-8 (high) mm.

Other Physical Features: ectothermic ; heterothermic ; bilateral symmetry

Sexual Dimorphism: sexes alike

The seven-spotted ladybug lives in a wide variety of habitats. Any place where there are plants and aphids may attract this species (Fleming 2000).

Habitat Regions: temperate ; terrestrial

Terrestrial Biomes: savanna or grassland ; chaparral ; forest

Other Habitat Features: urban ; suburban ; agricultural ; riparian

This ladybird occurs in a wide range of habitats and is a familiar garden denizen (1).

The seven-spotted lady beetle is carnivorous. Both the adult and larval stages feed on insects harmful to plants, such as aphids and scale insects (Anonymous 1997). Adults can be known to eat up to 100 aphids a day (Arnett Jr., et al 1980). Rather than using any complicated methods for eating its prey, the ladybug kills its prey outright and then devours it (Waldbauer, 1998).

Animal Foods: insects

Primary Diet: carnivore (Insectivore )

Coccinella septempunctata is prey of:
Linyphia triangularis
Agelena labyrinthica

Based on studies in:
England, Oxshott Heath (Heath, Plant substrate)

This list may not be complete but is based on published studies.

Coccinella septempunctata preys on:
Dilachnus pini
Acyrthosiphon spartii
Aphis sarathamni
Arytaina spartii
Arytaina genistae
Insecta

Based on studies in:
England, Oxshott Heath (Heath, Plant substrate)

This list may not be complete but is based on published studies.

Animal / predator
adult of Coccinella septempunctata is predator of Aphidoidea

Animal / predator
Coccinella septempunctata is predator of egg of Phaedon cochleariae

Animal / parasitoid / endoparasitoid
gregarious larva of Homalotylus eytelweini is endoparasitoid of larva of Coccinella septempunctata

Animal / parasitoid / endoparasitoid
larva of Perilitus coccinellae is endoparasitoid of adult of Coccinella septempunctata

Animal / parasitoid / endoparasitoid
larva of Phalacrotophora fasciata is endoparasitoid of pupa (newly formed) of Coccinella septempunctata

Animal / parasitoid / endoparasitoid
gregarious (up to 25) larva of Tetrastichus coccinellae is endoparasitoid of larva of Coccinella septempunctata

In the spring, overwintering adults first find food and then lay their eggs. Eggs are laid in clusters of 10 to 50 within aphid colonies. Eggs hatch in three to five days, and larvae feed on aphids or other insects for two to three weeks, then pupate. Adults emerge in seven to ten days (Lyon 2000).

Barcode of Life Data Systems (BOLDS) Stats
Public Records: 0
Species: 75
Species With Barcodes: 1

US Federal List: no special status

CITES: no special status

Canada

Rounded National Status Rank: NNR - Unranked

United States

Rounded National Status Rank: NNR - Unranked

Rounded Global Status Rank: GNR - Not Yet Ranked

Very common in Britain (3).

This beetle is very common and is not threatened.

Conservation action has not been targeted at this species.

This species hibernates in groups, and sometimes enters houses in large numbers, looking for a place to spend the winter. They don't bite or damage household goods, but can be a nuisance (Bernard 1994, Fleming 2000, Klaas 1998).

Many different species of ladybugs, including the seven-spotted ladybug, have been brought to North America to be used in biological control of pests. The problem is that some of the imported ladybugs are competing with the local ladybugs for food and habitat, and have displaced the natives in many areas. This can reduce ladybug biodiversity and and my damage local ecosystems (CNF Ladybug Survey 2000, Marshall 2000).

Lady bugs, who eat aphids and other harmful pests such as scale insects, take care of the pest problems in gardens, orchards and farms (CNF Ladybug Survey 2000).