Common NameSeven-spot Ladybug (or Seven-spotted Ladybug)
SeasonalityAccording to studies done in Europe, adults emerge in late March or early April. The adults were observed mating a week or two after their emergence. The second generation adults emerged in June. While the young (second generation) females rarely mate until they have over-wintered, young males will mate with older (first generation) females. This creates a partial second generation (Majerus, 1994). In Alberta, it is common for this specie to produce three generations in one year (Acorn, 2007).
Identification5.5-7.8 mm long. A red or orange-red ladybug with seven black spots (Acorn, 2007; Belicek, 1976). Although it commonly has seven spots the number of spots can range from 0-9 (Majerus & Kearns, 1989). This makes it easily confused with nine-spotted ladybug, but nine-spotted ladybugs have a pale orange colour and a dark line where the wing covers meet (Acorn, 2007). In Europe, it can be confused with scarce seven-spot ladybug (Coccinella magnifica). Coccinella septempunctata have one small white triangular mark on the underside of the thorax under the middle pair of legs on each side. Whereas, C. magnifica have two small triangular marks on the underside of thorax, one under each the middle and hind pair of legs on each side (Majerus & Kearns, 1989).