Common Name: Seven-spot Lady Beetle, Seven-spot Ladybug Latin Name:
Coccinella septempunctata Linnaeus, 1758 (R. Bercha, det.)
Length: 6.4 - 8.0 mm
Range: Throughout Alberta
Habitat:
Various
Time of year seen: February
- November
(Additional Sightings)
Diet: Aphids
Other: The Seven-spot ladybug is an exotic species
that was introduced to North America in 1956. In 1973, established
populations were found in New Jersey. Since that time it has spread
further and is now found throughout Alberta. Seven-spot Ladybugs are
typically red to orange in color with seven black spots - three on each
elytra and one in the middle just behind the pronotum. Newly emerged
Seven-spots are more orange becoming dark red with age. The Seven-spot
is typically found in low lying vegetation where it hunts for aphids and
other small invertebrates. It is uncommon in higher vegetation such as
trees. As the temperature cools the Seven-spot Ladybug congregates
under objects on the ground to hibernate. (Acorn, 2007) |