28 Types of Ladybugs in Washington
Yes, Washington is home to five dominant ladybug species, each with distinct size, color, and spot patterns. The most common sightings include the Asian Lady Beetle, Seven-spotted Lady Beetle, Western Polished Lady Beetle, Convergent Lady Beetle, and Twenty-spotted Lady Beetle. Late spring through early fall (May through July peak) is when multiple species are most visible and active in gardens, forests, and fields across the state. This page details what each species looks like, where to find them, and how to distinguish one from another.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 30, 2026.
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- species recorded
- June, May, July
- peak months
Verified species, source iNaturalist
28 types of ladybugs recorded in Washington
28 ladybug species have a verified observation record in Washington, each with at least 10 confirmed sightings. The full list, ranked by how often each is recorded, is below.
8 of the 28 shown are recorded as introduced to Washington rather than native.
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Also recorded in Washington
| # | Species | Scientific name | Records |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | Casey's Lady BeetleHippodamia caseyi | Hippodamia caseyi | 148 |
| 14 | Three-banded Lady BeetleCoccinella trifasciata | Coccinella trifasciata | 127 |
| 15 | Oregon Lady BeetleHippodamia oregonensis | Hippodamia oregonensis | 92 |
| 16 | Variegated Lady BeetleIntroducedHippodamia variegata | Hippodamia variegata | 56 |
| 17 | Pine LadybirdIntroducedExochomus quadripustulatus | Exochomus quadripustulatus | 55 |
| 18 | Mealybug DestroyerIntroducedCryptolaemus montrouzieri | Cryptolaemus montrouzieri | 41 |
| 19 | California Lady BeetleCoccinella californica | Coccinella californica | 32 |
| 20 | Nine-spotted Lady BeetleCoccinella novemnotata | Coccinella novemnotata | 31 |
| 21 | Cream-spotted LadybirdCalvia quatuordecimguttata | Calvia quatuordecimguttata | 27 |
| 22 | Twice-stabbed Lady BeetleChilocorus stigma | Chilocorus stigma | 18 |
| 23 | Transverse Lady BeetleCoccinella transversoguttata | Coccinella transversoguttata | 18 |
| 24 | Eleven-spotted Ladybird BeetleIntroducedCoccinella undecimpunctata | Coccinella undecimpunctata | 18 |
| 25 | Eye-spotted Lady BeetleAnatis mali | Anatis mali | 18 |
| 26 | Hippodamia apicalisHippodamia apicalis | Hippodamia apicalis | 17 |
| 27 | Purple Scale PredatorIntroducedRhyzobius lophanthae | Rhyzobius lophanthae | 15 |
| 28 | Heather LadybirdIntroducedChilocorus bipustulatus | Chilocorus bipustulatus | 14 |
Plus 24 more recorded only rarely (fewer than 10 verified sightings). Counts from verified iNaturalist observations. Photos by iNaturalist observers, reused under the licence each observer chose.
More on ladybugs in Washington:
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
17,047 verified observations on iNaturalist of ladybug have been recorded in Washington, most often in June, May, July.
Yes, Washington is home to five dominant ladybug species, each with distinct size, color, and spot patterns. The most common sightings include the Asian Lady Beetle, Seven-spotted Lady Beetle, Western Polished Lady Beetle, Convergent Lady Beetle, and Twenty-spotted Lady Beetle. Late spring through early fall (May through July peak) is when multiple species are most visible and active in gardens, forests, and fields across the state. This page details what each species looks like, where to find them, and how to distinguish one from another.
Asian Lady Beetle identification
The Asian Lady Beetle is the most recorded species in Washington with over 5,400 iNaturalist observations. Adults range from 5 to 8 millimeters long and vary dramatically in color, from pale yellow to deep red or black, though red-orange is most common. The key identifying feature is a small whitish or pale marking on the pronotum (the section behind the head) that often resembles an M or W shape. Some individuals have no spots, while others display 15 or more black spots across the wing covers. This color polymorphism makes them challenging to identify at first glance, but the pronotum marking is nearly diagnostic. They were introduced to North America as biological control for aphids and established wild populations across Washington by the 1990s.
How many spots do Washington ladybugs have?
Spot patterns vary widely among species and even within species. The Seven-spotted Lady Beetle carries seven distinct black spots on a red background and is one of the easiest to identify at a glance. The Twenty-spotted Lady Beetle displays roughly 20 small spots across its yellow-orange wing covers. The Asian Lady Beetle can show anywhere from zero to 15 spots depending on the individual. The Western Polished Lady Beetle typically has fewer, larger spots or may appear nearly spotless and glossy. The Convergent Lady Beetle has two distinctive white or pale crescents on the pronotum and variable spotting on the red wing covers. Counting spots is useful but not foolproof; checking the pronotum marking and overall body size and shine gives a more reliable identification.
Seven-spotted Lady Beetle
The Seven-spotted Lady Beetle is the second-most observed ladybug species in Washington with over 3,150 recorded sightings. This beetle measures 6 to 8 millimeters and presents one of the most recognizable patterns in North America: a bright red wing cover with exactly seven black spots arranged in a consistent pattern, plus a black pronotum with two white spots. It is nearly impossible to misidentify once you see one. Unlike the introduced Asian Lady Beetle, this species is native to Europe but has established populations in the Pacific Northwest. Peak activity in Washington runs from May through July, and they feed on aphids, mites, and other soft-bodied pests in gardens and agricultural settings.
Western Polished Lady Beetle
With over 1,700 observations in Washington, the Western Polished Lady Beetle is a mid-sized species at 4 to 5 millimeters. The distinguishing feature is a glossy, often unmarked or very sparsely spotted appearance, giving the wing covers a smooth, polished sheen rather than the matte finish of many other species. When spots are present, they are few and subtle. The color is typically orange-red to bright red. This species is native to western North America and prefers forest edges, meadow borders, and shrubby habitats. They are active predators of small insects and are most frequently spotted during spring and summer.
What is the Convergent Lady Beetle?
The Convergent Lady Beetle, with roughly 1,200 Washington observations, is named for the two white or cream-colored lines that converge toward the center of the pronotum, resembling an upside-down V or convergent marks. The species measures 5 to 8 millimeters and displays a red or orange-red wing cover with variable black spotting, ranging from very few to numerous spots. Unlike some introduced species, the Convergent Lady Beetle is native to North America and is often sold commercially for gardens and agriculture. They were heavily collected from aggregation sites in California in the mid-1900s for this purpose. In Washington, they appear from spring through fall and are generalist predators of small pests.
Twenty-spotted Lady Beetle characteristics
The Twenty-spotted Lady Beetle represents over 1,000 iNaturalist records in Washington and takes its name from the roughly 20 small black spots that dot a pale yellow or cream-colored wing cover. At 4 to 6 millimeters, it is one of the smaller ladybug species in the state. The contrast between the pale background and dark spots makes identification straightforward. This beetle is native to North America and prefers cooler, more forested regions of Washington, particularly in the Cascades and Olympic mountains. They are spring and summer inhabitants, disappearing into leaf litter and bark crevices to overwinter during the cold months.
Peak season for spotting Washington ladybugs
May, June, and July are the peak months for ladybug activity throughout Washington. During these months, multiple species emerge from winter shelters, reproduce, and feed actively on aphids and other small insects that proliferate on plants. Spring rains encourage tender plant growth, which attracts aphids, drawing ladybugs to gardens and agricultural areas. By late August and September, activity declines as temperatures drop and species begin aggregating in protected locations to prepare for winter dormancy. Late spring (May and early June) is ideal for seeing diversity, as newly emerged beetles are still dispersing before settling into established feeding territories.
Where do these five species overlap in Washington?
All five species occur throughout Washington's lowlands and mid-elevations, from the Puget Sound region east through the valleys and foothills of the Cascades. The Asian Lady Beetle and Seven-spotted Lady Beetle are particularly abundant in cultivated areas such as gardens, orchards, and agricultural fields where aphid prey is plentiful. The Convergent Lady Beetle and Western Polished Lady Beetle favor forest edges and more natural habitats with less human disturbance. The Twenty-spotted Lady Beetle congregates in cooler, higher-elevation forests, particularly in the Cascade range. Urban and suburban gardens where multiple host plant species are present can support multiple ladybug species within the same location, offering opportunities to compare species side by side during peak season.
Are there rare or native ladybug species in Washington?
Among the five dominant species, both the Asian Lady Beetle and Seven-spotted Lady Beetle are introduced species that have become established and abundant. The Convergent Lady Beetle, Western Polished Lady Beetle, and Twenty-spotted Lady Beetle are all native to North America. The introduced species are not considered invasive threats in Washington, as they feed on the same aphids and mites that native species target and have not outcompeted natives to extinction. Many other smaller, rarer native ladybug species exist in Washington, but they are observed far less frequently and are not included in this guide. The five species here represent over 32,000 iNaturalist observations and account for the majority of ladybug encounters in the state.
Frequently asked questions
How many spots do Washington ladybugs have?+
Spot patterns vary widely among species and even within species. The Seven-spotted Lady Beetle carries seven distinct black spots on a red background and is one of the easiest to identify at a glance. The Twenty-spotted Lady Beetle displays roughly 20 small spots across its yellow-orange wing covers. The Asian Lady Beetle can show anywhere from zero to 15 spots depending on the individual. The Western Polished Lady Beetle typically has fewer, larger spots or may appear nearly spotless and glossy. The Convergent Lady Beetle has two distinctive white or pale crescents on the pronotum and variable spotting on the red wing covers. Counting spots is useful but not foolproof; checking the pronotum marking and overall body size and shine gives a more reliable identification.
What is the Convergent Lady Beetle?+
The Convergent Lady Beetle, with roughly 1,200 Washington observations, is named for the two white or cream-colored lines that converge toward the center of the pronotum, resembling an upside-down V or convergent marks. The species measures 5 to 8 millimeters and displays a red or orange-red wing cover with variable black spotting, ranging from very few to numerous spots. Unlike some introduced species, the Convergent Lady Beetle is native to North America and is often sold commercially for gardens and agriculture. They were heavily collected from aggregation sites in California in the mid-1900s for this purpose. In Washington, they appear from spring through fall and are generalist predators of small pests.
Where do these five species overlap in Washington?+
All five species occur throughout Washington's lowlands and mid-elevations, from the Puget Sound region east through the valleys and foothills of the Cascades. The Asian Lady Beetle and Seven-spotted Lady Beetle are particularly abundant in cultivated areas such as gardens, orchards, and agricultural fields where aphid prey is plentiful. The Convergent Lady Beetle and Western Polished Lady Beetle favor forest edges and more natural habitats with less human disturbance. The Twenty-spotted Lady Beetle congregates in cooler, higher-elevation forests, particularly in the Cascade range. Urban and suburban gardens where multiple host plant species are present can support multiple ladybug species within the same location, offering opportunities to compare species side by side during peak season.
Are there rare or native ladybug species in Washington?+
Among the five dominant species, both the Asian Lady Beetle and Seven-spotted Lady Beetle are introduced species that have become established and abundant. The Convergent Lady Beetle, Western Polished Lady Beetle, and Twenty-spotted Lady Beetle are all native to North America. The introduced species are not considered invasive threats in Washington, as they feed on the same aphids and mites that native species target and have not outcompeted natives to extinction. Many other smaller, rarer native ladybug species exist in Washington, but they are observed far less frequently and are not included in this guide. The five species here represent over 32,000 iNaturalist observations and account for the majority of ladybug encounters in the state.
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