Ladybug vs. Asian lady beetle - what’s the difference?

Ladybugs — also called ladybird beetles — are one of the most recognized and beloved insects in North America. 

• Appearance — Typically bright red with black spots. While the spot count can vary by species, many ladybugs have fewer spots than Asian lady beetles. Round, dome-shaped body, with no distinctive marking behind the head
• Habitat — Gardens, fields, meadows, and wooded areas. They rarely venture indoors and prefer to overwinter in leaf litter or under bark outside
• Behavior — Beneficial predators that feed on aphids, scale insects, and mites. Docile and very unlikely to bite
• Risks — Essentially none. Ladybugs pose no real threat to people, pets, or property and are widely considered a beneficial insect

The Asian lady beetle was introduced to the U.S. to help control agricultural pests.

• Appearance — Orange to red, with anywhere from two to 22 black spots. Look for the distinctive white "M" or "W" marking just behind the head (that's the clearest way to tell them apart from a true ladybug)
• Habitat — Gardens and agricultural areas in warmer months. In the fall, they seek out warm structures and tend to move indoors as temperatures drop
• Behavior — Swarm in large numbers on the sunny sides of buildings in the fall. When disturbed, they release a yellow, foul-smelling fluid that can stain surfaces
• Risks — Can bite or pinch skin, though it's not medically dangerous for most people. The fluid they secrete can trigger allergic reactions in some individuals and stain walls, fabrics, and surfaces