Seven-Spot Ladybird vs Stinking Rove Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Seven-Spot Ladybird Stinking Rove Beetle
Scientific Name Coccinella septempunctata Ocypus nero
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Coccinellidae Staphylinidae
Size 5-8 mm 16-25 mm
Habitat Farmland Underground
Diet Predators Omnivores
Regions Europe, Asia, North America Southern Europe, Mediterranean
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

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.

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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.

Stinking Rove Beetle

A jet-black rove beetle with finely punctured elytra and a broad head. It emits a foul-smelling secretion when disturbed.

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Did You Know?

Its defensive odour is produced by abdominal glands and is potent enough to deter birds and small mammals.