Predatory Beetles : Seven-spot lady beetles
categories: Natural Enemies Predatory Beetles
last review date: 2025-08-23 07:38
Photo by: D.G. James
Biology
The seven-spot lady beetle (Coccinella septempunctata) species is comparatively large (approximately 3/8 inch), with a white or pale spot on either side of the first section between the head and thorax. The body is oval and domed. The spot pattern is usually 1-4-2 (front to back), black on the orange or red wing cases.
Larvae are alligator-like, dark gray with orange spots on segments 1 and 4, growing to the same length as adults. This exotic species is a relative newcomer to the Pacific Northwest, unknown before about 2000.
Adults overwinter in protected sites and females may lay from 200 to more than 1,000 eggs during a period of one to three months commencing in spring or early summer. Eggs are usually deposited near prey, in small clusters of 10 to 50 in protected sites on leaves and stems.
Larvae grow from 1/25 to 3/8 inch in 10 to 30 days depending on the supply of aphids. The pupal stage lasts from 3 to 12 days depending on temperature. Adults are most abundant in mid- to late summer and live for weeks or months, depending on availability of prey and time of year. One to two generations occur before adults enter hibernation.
There are about 90 species of lady beetles in the Pacific Northwest. The five species most likely to be seen in Washington gardens include the transverse, convergent, seven-spot, multi-colored and mite-eating lady beetles.
Prey or Pest Targeted
- Lady beetles are industrious predators of not only aphids but also many other soft bodied arthropods like mites, thrips, insect eggs, scale insects and mealybugs.
Attracting and Keeping Natural Enemies
and Pollinators in Your Yard and Garden
- Native plants provide essential resources.
- Native flora also provides natural overwintering sites.
- Natural dispersion from nearby habitats ensures visitation.
- Some kinds of beneficial insects predatory mites are commercially available.
- Avoid regular use of synthetic, broad-spectrum pesticides.
- Infrequent use of certain narrow-spectrum pesticides is more compatible with some beneficials.
- Extensive lawns are also not conducive to attracting beneficial insects.
Management Options
See "Using Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in the Landscape" for successful problem management techniques.
Chemical Management
IMPORTANT: Visit Home and Garden Fact Sheets for more information on using pesticides.
- None recommended
WSU Extension programs and employment are available to all without discrimination.
Evidence of noncompliance may be reported through your local Extension office.