Also known as Fourteen-spotted Ladybird, Fourteen-spotted Ladybird Beetle, P-14 Ladybird
Fourteen-spotted ladybirds sport distinctive rectangular black spots that frequently merge into anchor-like patterns across bright yellow or cream elytra. Both adults and active bristly larvae roam meadows, crops, and gardens while voraciously consuming aphids and other soft-bodied insect pests. Native to Eurasia and established in North America, they overwinter as adults within leaf litter and emerge on the first warm spring days.
BeneficialInsectivoreDiurnal
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyAphids, Scale insects, Insect eggs
Predators
Insectivorous birds
Spiders
Assassin bugs
ThreatsBroad-spectrum pesticide applications and invasive competitors
HabitatsAgricultural fields, meadows, grasslands, and forest margins
Life span1–2 years
Classification
FamilyCoccinellidae
SpeciesPropylaea quatuordecimpunctata
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
Low
Moderate
High
Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
Foliage Scanning: Inspect the undersides of leaves and stems where aphid colonies gather.
Gentle Observation: Avoid pinching or handling roughly, which triggers defensive reflex bleeding.
