For this weeks North Carolina Insect of the Week I have chosen Coccinella septempunctata Linnaeus, 1758 (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae). This species is commonly known as the seven-spot ladybug. C. septempunctata dines on delicious aphids while in the larval and adult stages. For this reason, it is commonly used as a biological control agent.

This beetle was described by Carl von Linné in 1758 as Coccinella 7-punctata (meaning 7 spots). In 1846, Martial Étienne Mulsant used the extended version of the name, C. septempunctata.

The main feature of this tiny beetle (6.5-7.8 mm in length) is its six spots on the elytron (hardened fore wing) and single scutellar spot, hence the name 7-spot ladybug. The head is black with 2 pale spots on either side. Another distinguishing factor is that the body is more oval than oblong and more dome-shaped than flat.

There are many superstitions from the past 5 centuries that encompass the ladybug. These superstitions include ones of love, misfortune, and even medicinal use. Its commonly used now as an aphid control agent. From 1956 to 1971, scientists attempted many times to establish populations in North America, for aphid control, with no success. But in 1973 the first population was discovered in Bergen County, NJ. It is believed that this population was established accidentally and is not a result of official introduction attempts.

This species is found from the USA, Greece, Iran, and India all the way to Japan. This has raised questions about the accuracy of the taxonomic classification of all the populations. Some believed that such a wide range would produce similar but different species. But, a recent study showed the 7-spotted ladybug is found throughout the world and they are identified as the correct species, C. septempunctata.

• Cowan, F. 1865. History of Insects; Including Spiders and Scorpions. 17-23.
• Gordon, R. D. 1985. The Coccinellidae (Coleoptera) of America North of Mexico. 795-798.
• Marin, J., Crouau-Roy, B., Hemptinne, J.-L., Lecompte, E. & Magro, A. 2010. Coccinella septempunctata (Coleoptera, Coccinellidae): a species complex? Zoologica Scripta 39, 591-602.