Seven-spotted Ladybird vs European Spider Wasp

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Seven-spotted Ladybird European Spider Wasp
Scientific Name Hippodamia variegata Episyron albonotatum
Order Coleoptera Hymenoptera
Family Coccinellidae Pompilidae
Size 3-5 mm 8-14 mm
Habitat Farmland Beaches & Coastal
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Europe, Asia Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

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.

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Did You Know?

Despite sharing a similar common name, this species is more tolerant of hot, dry conditions than the familiar seven-spot ladybird.

European Spider Wasp

A medium-sized black spider wasp with white markings that hunts orb-weaving spiders across Europe. It nests in sandy soil near the edges of paths.

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Did You Know?

It carries captured spiders by flying short distances while holding them underneath its body.