Seven-spotted Ladybug

Coccinella septempunctata, commonly known as the seven-spot ladybird, often abbreviated C-7, is a carnivorous beetle native to Europe, most of Asia, and North Africa. It inhabits many regions with a temperate climate. The beetle has been introduced to several other areas, including North America as a biological pest control agent to combat aphid infestations. It is one of approximately 5,000 species of ladybird worldwide. Bauer states that C. septempunctata's ability to adapt to many different habitats makes it "one of the most successful aphidophagous insects". Scientific Name: Coccinella septempunctata Range: Native to Europe; introduced to North America and worldwide for aphid biocontrol Size: Body 7–8 mm Status: Invasive ID Notes: Red elytra with 7 black spots (1 in middle near scutellum, 3 on each side). Pronotum black with two white patches. Behavior / Notes: Released widely in the U.S. as biological control. Now displacing native ladybug species. State insect of Ohio, Tennessee.