African Blister Beetle vs Seven-Spot Ladybird
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | African Blister Beetle | Seven-Spot Ladybird |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Mylabris oculata | Coccinella septempunctata |
| Order | Coleoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Meloidae | Coccinellidae |
| Size | 15-30 mm | 5-8 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Farmland |
| Diet | Parasitoids | Predators |
| Regions | East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia) | Europe, Asia, North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
African Blister Beetle
A conspicuous beetle with orange-red and black banded elytra. It contains cantharidin, a potent toxin that can cause severe skin blistering on contact.
Did You Know?
Its cantharidin is so toxic that even a small amount can kill a horse if ingested with contaminated hay or alfalfa.
Seven-Spot Ladybird
The most common ladybird in Europe. Its bright red coloring with seven black spots warns predators of its bitter taste. A voracious predator of aphids.
Did You Know?
A single seven-spot ladybird can eat over 5,000 aphids in its lifetime, making it one of the most effective biological pest controllers.