Seven-spotted Ladybird vs Cape Stag Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Seven-spotted Ladybird | Cape Stag Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Hippodamia variegata | Colophon westwoodi |
| Order | Coleoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Coccinellidae | Lucanidae |
| Size | 3-5 mm | 25-40 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Mountains |
| Diet | Predators | Detritivores |
| Regions | Europe, Asia | South Africa (Western Cape mountains only) |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Endangered |
Seven-spotted Ladybird
A small, variably marked ladybird that is an important predator of aphids in agricultural settings. Often found in open, dry habitats. Less well-known than the common seven-spot.
Did You Know?
Despite sharing a similar common name, this species is more tolerant of hot, dry conditions than the familiar seven-spot ladybird.
Cape Stag Beetle
A rare flightless stag beetle found only on high mountain peaks of the Western Cape. Males have short but robust mandibles.
Did You Know?
All Colophon species are protected by South African law and CITES due to their extreme rarity and restricted ranges.